Woods eyes repeat at U.S. Open
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By Mark Lamport-Stokes
FARMINGDALE, New York (Reuters) - Triple champion Tiger Woods recovered from a wild tee shot on the opening hole to launch his U.S. Open title defense with a regulation par at a wet Bethpage Black on Thursday.
In steady drizzle, the world number one pulled his drive 40 yards left of the fairway at the par-four first, his ball ending up on trampled grass behind a concession tent.
Watched by huge galleries under leaden skies, Woods appeared to lose his grip on impact before looking on in amazement as his ball sailed wide of the target.
However he was able to salvage a par while playing partners Padraig Harrington and U.S. Masters champion Angel Cabrera both bogeyed the hole.
Woods, who won last year's title in a gripping playoff with fellow American Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines outside San Diego, is the overwhelming favorite this week in pursuit of his 15th major victory.
He won the Memorial tournament 11 days ago in his most recent PGA Tour start and triumphed at Bethpage when the U.S. Open was staged here for the first time in 2002.
Argentina's Andres Romero, in his second appearance at the championship, held the early lead after making a birdie on his opening hole, the par-four 10th.
Fiji's Vijay Singh, after three holes, and 2006 champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia, after two, were among a large group of players at even par.
World number two Phil Mickelson, who finished second behind Woods at the 2002 edition, was among the late starters in a high-profile grouping with twice champions Ernie Els and Retief Goosen of South Africa.
The 156-strong field face a daunting week on the saturated 7,426-yard Black Course, the longest layout to stage a U.S. Open.
Rain has been forecast for all four rounds with thunderstorms expected on Sunday.
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)
Source: Reuters
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