Tiger Woods blamed a lack of practice for his 10-over 80 in the first round of the 2015 U.S. Open. The 39-year-old finished above just two other players on Thursday.
Woods, who has been battling a back injury throughout 2015 and is playing in just his fifth tournament this year, carded the worst U.S. Open round of his career at Chambers Bay Golf Club. He finished 15 shots behind co-leaders Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson.
MORE: Must-see U.S. Open photos | Woods' 80, shot by shot | What leaders must do on Day 2 | Garcia rips greens | Day 2 tee times
A dreadful back nine, including a triple bogey on the par-4 14th hole, capped Woods' limp to the clubhouse. Although Woods declared he was "not very happy," he seemed fatalistic about the situation.
"It's one of those things, just got to work through it," Woods said afterward. "I'm trying as hard as I can to do it, and for some reason, I just can't get the consistency that I'd like to have out there."
The 14-time major winner added: "I haven't played enough. I haven't had a rhythm to play.
"I didn't play much last year and I haven't played much this year. Knee surgeries are pretty easy compared to a back surgery, the recovery time. And for some reason, it's just a lot harder dealing with a nerve than a joint."
Woods managed to finish ahead of only playing partner Rickie Fowler and Rich Berberian Jr.
"The bright side is at least I kicked Rickie's butt today," he said in a light-hearted moment. Fowler shot an 11-over 81.
Woods began with consecutive bogeys and never recovered.
"Got off to a bad start," he said. "I stuck that 6-iron in the ground on the first hole and then just couldn't quite get it turned around today."
Woods will play alongside Fowler and Louis Oosthuizen again in the second round on Friday. The three will tee off at 8:28 a.m. PT (11:28 a.m. ET).
