Tiger Woods’ reaction to reporters after first round Open misery speaks volumes

Tiger Woods Reflects on Optimistic Plans After Tough First Round at 152nd Open Championship**

Tiger Woods showed no signs of contemplating retirement despite a challenging first day at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon. The 48-year-old golf legend admitted he was overly optimistic about his playing schedule this year following a difficult opening round.

Woods carded an eight-over-par 79 in the first round, struggling with missed greens, fairways, and several three-putts. Reflecting on his performance, Woods acknowledged his ambitious start-of-the-year goals, which included potentially playing at least once a month, were unrealistic.

“I didn’t do a whole lot of things right today,” Woods said candidly. “I made that putt on the third hole, and then I think I had, what, three three-putts today? I didn’t hit my irons very close, and I didn’t give myself a whole lot of looks.”

To make the cut for the weekend, Woods recognizes the need for a significantly better performance. “I need to shoot something in the mid-60s tomorrow to get something going on the weekend,” he noted.

When asked about his future on the golf course, particularly in light of suggestions from figures like Colin Montgomerie that he should consider retirement, Woods remained defiant. “I’m physically feeling a lot better than I did at the beginning of the year,” he said. “At the end of last year, it was tough, and I haven’t played a whole lot. But as the year has gone on, I have gotten better.”

Woods expressed a desire to play more frequently but emphasized the importance of preserving his strength for major tournaments. “I just wish I could have played a little bit more, but I’ve been saving it for the majors just in case I do something pretty major and then take myself out of it,” he explained. “Hopefully next year will be a little bit better than this year.”

Looking ahead, Woods remains committed to improving his fitness and game. “I thought I could play a little bit more earlier in the year. I think I was a little bit too optimistic. I need to do a lot more work in the gym and keep progressing like we have.”

Woods is set to tee off early tomorrow alongside Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, hoping to turn his fortunes around and stay in the competition.