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Tiger struggles to 5-over 41 on front 9 at Royal Portrush

Richard Sellers - PA Images / PA Images / Getty

Tiger Woods endured a tough start on Thursday at The Open, as the three-time champion posted a 5-over-par 41 on the front nine at Royal Portrush.

After starting his day with four straight pars, Woods carded a frustrating bogey on the short par-4 fifth by three-putting. A bladed chip shot across the green didn't help things on the next hole, as Woods double-bogeyed to hit 3-over for the round.

Any hopes for a rebound on the par-5 seventh were quickly dashed with a tee shot that found the deep rough. Woods battled the lengthy fescue throughout the hole, needing an excellent pitch just to save bogey.

More trouble awaited at No. 9, as Woods left himself an awkward lie in the rough after tugging his tee shot. He would barely hack it out, grimacing in the process, and eventually bogeyed the hole to finish the opening stretch at 5-over.

Woods currently sits nine shots back of the clubhouse leader, Shane Lowry.

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