Bethpage Black is no longer the most frightening thing about this U.S. Open. It’s the sight of Tiger Woods on his game and in the lead.
NEVER MIND THAT 16 PLAYERS didn’t record a single birdie and 15 guys couldn’t even break 80. Or that only six players broke par Thursday, the smallest number in the first round of a U.S. Open since no one did at windy Shinnecock Hills in 1986.
A beast of a course only brought out the best in the world’s No. 1 player.
“I tried to stay out of trouble as much as I could,” Woods said after a 3-under 67, breaking down a torturous day into a simple explanation.