BRITISH OPEN CHAMPION Darren Clarke endured a disastrous start to his tournament in the opening round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron yesterday.
Paired with old friend Tiger Woods, on the former world number one’s return to golf, Clarke slumped to joint last place in the 76-man field with a seven-over par 77.
It makes grim reading – despite producing what was surely the shot of the day, a holed 183-yard approach to the eighth for an eagle two.
Intriguingly, alongside Clarke at the foot of the standings is new Irish Open champion Simon Dyson. A stablemate of Clarke’s in Chubby Chandler’s operation, the Englishman was forced to make hasty travel plans after qualifying for the event by winning in Killarney on Sunday.
Thankfully for the pair, there’s no halfway cut for them to worry about.
At the other end however, Clarke’s playing partner has plenty to smile about on his comeback .
Tiger was thrilled with how he hit the ball on his first day back from injury, but recently-sacked caddy Steve Williams had even more reason to be happy.
In his first competitive appearance since May 12, Woods did far better than many expected, returning a two under par 68 to be joint 18th heading into the second round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron.
Leading the tournament after a dazzling 62, however, is Australian Adam Scott – with Williams on his bag.
“That’s run-of-the-mill for Steve around here. I don’t think he knows anything different,” said Scott in a reference to the fact that Woods won the title seven times at Firestone before firing the New Zealander two weeks ago.
Their split was far from amicable and Scott added: “I’m sure he (Williams) feels good about today.
Scott is one of front of compatriot Jason Day – joint second with him at The Masters in April – and three ahead of third-placed Nick Watney.
Woods, kept out of action by knee and achilles tendon problems, out-scored playing partner Clarke by nine and commented: “As Darren would say, I hit some proper shots.
Scotland’s Martin Laird leads the British challenge, joint fourth on 66 after coming home in 31 while Lee Westwood is one further back and Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald alongside Woods.
Pádraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, and Paul Casey all missed out on a first day that was full of low scoring. The first four all shot one over 71s, while Casey double-bogeyed his closing hole for a 73.
- additional reporting AP
