Will Tiger Woods Break Par At The Open? Sadly, No, As He Misses the Cut

Editor's note: This story was written a day before Tiger Woods teed off for Friday's round at The Open. He subsequently shot a 3-over 75 to finish 9-over par and miss the cut. Woods tearfully walked up 18 to a roaring, adoring crowd in what likely will be his final time playing The Old Course at St. Andrews.

All of that "Tiger could stalk again" talk was quickly quelled, huh?

Sheesh, that was an awful first round for Woods at 2022’s The Open Championship, on a course on which he’s won twice.

But that was many moons and sagas and injuries and accidents ago.

Woods is 46 now, walks with a noticeable limp, and is a shadow of his old self.

How poorly did he play Thursday? He finished with — (and quick reminder, none of these next stats are typos) — a 6-over 78, the second-worst round he’s had in a major, sits in a tie for 146th and there are only seven players below him, otherwise, he’d be in last place. 

Egads!

Obviously, he’s not making the cut, like many predicted (Not this guy). The questions are: How will he demean himself Friday and could he possibly finish his disappointing two-day tour of St. Andrews with a total of even par (he’d need a 66) or to break par (a 65)?

Not a chance.

What about just an even-par round (72)?

Possibly, but doubtful. The dude looks done to me.

So poke around all the online sports betting apps that are available, and you can sign up and play — you can score a sweet bonus too – but stay far away from Woods.

Meanwhile, the top of the leaderboard has already become stacked with betting favorites – except for first-round leader Cameron Young. The 26-year-old American was a +10000 longshot to win The Open Championship. But following his blistering 8-under 64 he now owns a two-shot lead over … uh-oh...Rory McIlroy, the pre-tournament betting favorite (mostly found at +1000) from every sports wagering site from BetMGM to DraftKings to FanDuel.

Those odds are now at +350 (BetMGM) because McIlroy shot a 6-under 66 and sits just six shots back. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is at 4-under, is the second betting favorite at +800, while another Cameron (Smith) is the fourth choice (+900) despite sitting at 5-under. This brings us to my choice to still win the damn thing: Scottish Open winner Xander Schauffele, who, like Scheffler, is 4-under (+1600).

Grab it.

According to the forecast, the wind should remain the same for most of the day so bettors shouldn’t worry about Friday’s pairings … unless you’re Schauffele because your playing partners, Xavier, are last year’s defending champion Collin Morikawa (who is at even-par 72) and McIlroy.

Gulp. Guess there’s a suspicion that he could be intimidated by that duo.

Bollocks. Go get ‘em, lad.