Tiger struggles in Round 1

Associated Press

SAN MARTIN, Calif.

Anyone expecting a new and improved version of Tiger Woods saw much of the same old thing Thursday.

An early birdie to raise hopes. A sudden tumble. And he couldn’t make a putt.

In his first tournament in seven weeks, Woods went 13 holes between his only two birdies at the Frys.com Open and had a 2-over 73 that put him in danger of missing consecutive cuts for the first time in his career.

Brendan Steele opened with a 4-under 67 on a cool day. He was joined in the lead by Briny Baird, Garrett Willis and Matt Bettencourt.

Woods was tied for 86th, although he was still only one shot out of the top 70 and ties that advance to the weekend.

Madrid Masters

ALCALA DE HENARES, Spain

Ross McGowan shot an 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round.

McGowan had 10 birdies, including five in a row on Nos. 9-13.

Brett Rumford, Lorenzo Gagli and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano were tied for second. Top-ranked Luke Donald opened with a 68.

Korea Open

SEOUL, South Korea

Defending champion YE Yang shot a 4-under 67 for a share of the first-round lead with Rickie Fowler.

U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy was a stroke back along with Hong Soon-sang and Lee Soo-min.