As always, all eyes were on Tiger Woods. No, he didn’t dominate. Then again, no one seemed to have an answer for Pebble Beach.
The world’s No. 1 golfer hit the first 10 greens he faced, but settled for nine pars and a bogey. Woods heard mostly applause from the large galleries along the scenic ocean course before heading into the clubhouse with a 3-over-par 74.
Meanwhile, rival Phil Mickelson endured a disappointing day, finishing with a 4-over-par 75. It was his highest opening round score since 1997.
“It’s just frustrating because I came in here prepared,” said Mickelson, who failed to birdie a single hole. “I came in here ready. I hit a lot of good shots [Thursday].”
But Pebble Beach toyed with the entire field as only 10 players were able to break par in the tournament’s opening round. Seventeen players finished at 8-over or worse. Shaun Micheel, Paul Casey and Brendon De Jonge shared the early lead at 2-under-par 69.
The U.S. Open resumes Friday morning at 7 a.m. Television coverage begins at 1 p.m. on ESPN.
