• Australian Masters

Woods' putter misfires in Melbourne

ESPN staff
November 11, 2010
Crouching Tiger, hidden anger? Woods shows his frustration at a missed putt © Getty Images
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Tiger Woods endured an up-and-down first round at the Australian Masters at the Victoria Golf Club on Thursday, failing to make the most of his opportunities as he finished four shots off the early pace at two-under.

The defending champion had the advantage of the early morning conditions before a tricky wind set in for the second half of the day, but he still made hard work of his first round, starting with an early bogey before fighting back with birdies at the 17th, 1st and 4th holes.

The former world No. 1 failed to make the most of his driving length by losing out with the putter. He made 33 putts in total.

"That was probably the highest score I could have shot today," Woods said. "I didn't make anything, I kept leaving every putt short, my speed was just slightly off."

Still, only 16 players managed better than Woods, who is the equal-highest ranked of the small contingent of non-Australian or New Zealand players present.

Aussies Adam Bland, Alistair Presnell and Daniel Gaunt share the early clubhouse lead after each shooting six-under rounds of 65. Bland came out of nowhere with five birdies in his last six holes to join Presnell, who had stayed bogey-free until finding the trees on his last hole, in the lead.

The trio have developed a nice little buffer over the chasing pack, with seven players tied for fourth two stroke back at four under. Australian Nathan Green is among those at three under.

Camilo Villegas is at even par while Spanish star Sergio Garcia could only manage a two-over 73.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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