Unofficial Event JP McManus Pro-Am Day One Tied 43rd Start
Fowler 2nd, Koepka Tied 4th, Johnson Tied 8th
Tiger Woods is taking his second shot on the 9th hole during the first day of the JP McManus Pro-Am. Limerick (Ireland) = Getty Images / Multibits
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) has returned to the field.
On the 5th (Korean time), Woods scored 5 over par on the first day of the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) unofficial event JP McManus Pro-Am held at Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort (par 72) in Limerick, Ireland. He ranked tied for 43rd out of 50 participants. After withdrawing from the PGA Championship, a major on the PGA Tour in May, he rested and appeared before fans after a month and a half. The JP McManus Pro-Am is played with one professional player and three amateurs forming a team.
The 50 professional players determine their rankings through 36 holes of stroke play over two days, and team scores are also calculated separately with one professional and three amateurs forming a team. Woods submitted a somewhat mixed scorecard. He recorded 1 eagle, 1 birdie, 6 bogeys, and 1 double bogey. He lost 5 strokes in the front nine and made his first birdie late on the 10th hole (par 4). On the 12th hole (par 5), he successfully made a chip-in eagle, drawing cheers from the gallery.
Woods suffered a serious injury last February in a car rollover accident, breaking his right shin. Through surgery and rehabilitation, he showed resilience by competing in two majors, the Masters and the PGA Championship, in April. During the PGA Championship, he withdrew after playing three rounds due to leg pain, and he also skipped the third major, the US Open, last month. Fortunately, his physical condition has improved, allowing him to participate in this tournament.
Following this tournament, Woods will compete in the final major, The Open, starting on the 14th. This year marks the 150th edition, held at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland, known as the 'Home of Golf.' Woods has thrilling memories of winning at this course in 2000 and 2005. Returning to competition after a long time, Woods said, "I enjoyed playing in front of many spectators" and "I had fun playing in a meaningful tournament where I could help others."
Lorie McIlroy is walking while receiving encouragement from the gallery on the first day of the JP McManus Pro-Am. Limerick (Ireland) = Getty Images / Multibits
'Tokyo Olympics Gold' Xander Schauffele (USA) took the lead by 3 strokes, sweeping up 8 birdies without any bogeys. Schauffele secured his second win of the season and sixth career victory at the Travelers Championship on the 27th of last month. Ricky Fowler is in 2nd place with 5 under par, Brooks Koepka tied for 4th with 3 under par, and Dustin Johnson (all USA) tied for 8th with 2 under par. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is tied for 12th with 1 under par, and 'Number 1' Scottie Scheffler (USA) is tied for 37th with 3 over par.
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