‘Achy’ Tiger uneven once more, nicely behind after 71

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — For as many good iron pictures as he hit to offer himself probabilities Saturday through the third spherical of the U.S. Open, Tiger Woods hit simply as many puzzling ones on his method to an even-par spherical of 71 that left him nicely again of the leaders.

Identified for his iron prowess all through his profession, and particularly at one of the best occasions of his comeback prior to now two years from again surgical procedure, Woods has been uncharacteristically off at Pebble Seashore. He hit simply 9 greens in regulation Thursday and solely 11 Saturday, a number of occasions developing brief, which makes you marvel about any bodily issues.

Woods was predictably coy when requested about any bodily points as he wore KT tape — a therapeutic strip typically worn to deal with ache — on his neck, simply as he had throughout The Open at Carnoustie final yr.

“When it is chilly like this, all the pieces is achy,” Woods mentioned. “It is simply a part of the deal.”

Woods was tied for 27th and 10 pictures again of chief Gary Woodland because the third spherical continued.

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Requested particularly in regards to the neck pressure that saved him from competing in March on the Arnold Palmer Invitational and if there was any correlation, Woods mentioned: “It is all the identical. It has been like that for years. The forces should go someplace. And if they don’t seem to be within the decrease again, they’re within the neck, and if they don’t seem to be, they’re within the mid-back, and if not they go to the knee. You title it.”

Woods gave an identical reply on the Gamers Championship in March when he returned from the neck situation, and it is merely one other instance of Woods’ destiny, having had 4 again surgical procedures. Some days, as he has mentioned typically, should not going to be pretty much as good as others.

He solely talked about it as a result of he was requested and didn’t counsel it straight impacted any of his pictures Saturday.

“As I say, my again impacts each shot I play. It is simply a part of the deal,” he mentioned. Pressed on any particular pictures, Woods mentioned: “Let me put it this manner, I really feel each shot I hit. I believe that is at all times going to be the case from right here going ahead.”

Woods received off to a poor begin, bogeying two of his first three holes earlier than birdies on the fourth and fifth. However he could not par the par-5 sixth, after which was up and down all through the remainder of the spherical, hitting some good approaches however hitting some poor ones as nicely.

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He managed to get again to even par for the spherical and the event by holing an extended birdie putt on the 16th after which knocking it on the 18th inexperienced in two and two-putting for birdie.

“I received off to an terrible begin and clawed it round, however nonetheless gave myself an opportunity, which is optimistic,” Woods mentioned. “And we’ll see what the climate forecast is for tomorrow. There are plenty of guys forward of me proper now. Looks like everyone seems to be doing what I used to be purported to do earlier, which is play 2- to Four-under par by means of the primary seven [holes]. We’ll see what they do coming in.

“I used to be enjoying with Ben [An] as we speak, and he performed a hell of a spherical. Missed the ball within the right spots, and that is what you need to do at this place.”

An, 29, who gained the U.S. Newbie at age 17 in 2009, shot 68 and performed with Woods for the primary time whereas shifting close to the highest 10.

“I at all times dreamed about enjoying golf with him and particularly it is the U.S. Open at Pebble Seashore, that is positively one thing particular,” mentioned An, who saved refreshing his cellphone on Friday evening to see the pairings for Saturday, considering he may get paired with Woods.

“It felt like two and a half hours,” he joked. “I needed to play with him, see what it is like. And I received my want. I am completely happy that I performed a terrific spherical in entrance of the GOAT. … He did not have one of the best day, however he is nonetheless Tiger. Does not matter how he performs, simply enjoying with him which means quite a bit to me.”