Woods, Mickelson Aren't Up to Par in First Round

Apr 05, 09:10 PM

Current Headlines: AUGUSTA, Ga. _ Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have combined to win six Masters titles. So they aren't likely to put their first rounds Thursday at the top of their highlight list.

Mickelson was 5 over through seven holes on his way to a 76. Woods stumbled in with bogeys on his final two holes to close with a 1-over 73.

"Just threw away a good round of golf," Woods said. "I vowed all day to get to (even par), and I threw it away."

Because the damage to Mickelson came early, he was heartened to play the last 11 holes in 1-under. With the course playing tough, Mickelson knows he still has a chance.

"If I get out and shoot a 68, I'll be right back in it," Mickelson said.

At four shots back, Woods also is in good shape. He typically lays back a bit on the first day and then grinds down the field the rest of the way.

Give bogeys to Woods and Mickelson for Thursday's play. But don't be surprised if one of them, especially Woods, gets a birdie on Sunday.

Birdie: Luke Donald. A bogey on 18 left him with a 73. But the tough conditions could be ideal for him. He holds up better than most when pars are at a premium.

Birdie: Tim Clark. An opening-round 71 puts him in contention again. Remember, he finished second last year, so look for him to be in the hunt on the weekend.

Bogey: Ernie Els. Even on a tough day, Els has to do better than open with a 78. He now is in a desperate situation.

"I have to try to get something going, and hopefully by Sunday get it back to level par or something," Els said. "It is back to the drawing board basically."

Birdie: Jeev Milkha Singh. The native of India was the low Singh for the day. He had a 72 playing in his first Masters. Vijay Singh had a 73.

Birdie: Gary Player. In these conditions, shooting an 83 at the age of 71 is a considerable feat. Happy 50th Masters, Gary.

Birdie: Craig Stadler. He shot a respectable 74. Afterward, the 53-year old said, "The golf course gets harder and longer, but I don't get any younger."

Birdie: Vaughn Taylor. The Augusta native is in the hunt with a 1-under 71.

Bogey: Charles Howell III. The other Augusta native has some work to do after a 75.

Bogey: Steve Stricker. Playing in his first Masters since 2002, the University of Illinois product struggled with a 77. Obviously, the course is much more difficult than he remembered it.

Birdie: Arnold Palmer. The King hit one of the best drives of the day. Certainly, it was the most memorable.

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