The Open 2019: Tiger Woods gets first look at Royal Portrush
- Published
Tiger Tiger headlines first day of Open practice at Portrush
The Open 2019 |
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Date: 18-21 July Course: Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland |
Coverage: Live radio and text commentary across all four days. Highlights each night on BBC Two. |
Fifteen-time major winner Tiger Woods played his first practice round at Royal Portrush on Sunday as he prepares to bid for a fourth Open victory.
The sun shone on Northern Ireland's north coast as the American got a first taste of the famous links course.
The 43-year-old secured his first major win in 11 years in April with a Masters victory which came after four back operations.
Woods won the Open in 2000 before back-to-back successes in 2005 and 2006.
Woods did little to allay fears he will be underprepared for the Open after revealing how he has spent his time since his last competitive start in the US Open a month ago.
After finishing joint 21st at Pebble Beach, Woods embarked on a two-week holiday in Thailand with mother Kultida and his two children - Sam, 12 and Charlie, 10.
Two-time champion Padraig Harrington said last week that anyone "serious" about winning the Open should have played at least once in the fortnight beforehand, but Woods insisted his lack of competitive golf would not be a problem.
The 15-time major winner has played just 10 tournament rounds since his emotional victory at Augusta National in April but said: "The break is always great for my golf, especially now.
"I told you guys last year I wouldn't be playing as much this year, and it's going to turn out that way."
Woods flew overnight to Northern Ireland and within a few hours of arriving was out on the course alongside Ryder Cup partner Patrick Reed.