Tiger Watch: Woods birdies 5 of last 9 to finish 1st round 3-under

It was touch-and-go on the front nine as Tiger Woods shot a 1-over 36 during the first round of the British Open, but he pulled it together on the back nine with five birdies.

His first major of the 2014 season after back surgery went better than expected considering his shaky start. Woods played his back nine aggressively and brought himself within three shots of the lead.

Woods had over 35 feet to putt for birdie on 17 and threw his hands in the air as he burned the left edge of the cup. Par for Woods on 17 brought him to the par-5 18th with a great opportunity.

Trouble with cameras rattled his focus and landed him in a bunker. He narrowly missed his birdie putt and carded a 69.

He finished his day three strokes off Rory McIlroy's lead (6-under) and tied for eighth.