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Journalism of Courage
LEMONT, July 4: Mark O8217;Meara, a two-time PGA Tour winner this year, fired a six-under par 66 here yesterday but Tiger Woods was just one shot back after round one of the two million-dollar Western Open.
Money leader Woods, Dave Stockton Jr and Jim Furyk opened with 67s while David Duval stood fifth at 68. Woods had taken a week off after failing to break par in 11 of his past 12 rounds. The change was major and quick.8220;I was fresh, ready to go,8221; Woods said. 8220;The last few weeks, I8217;ve been tired. When I went home, I put the clubs away. I have taken some time off, and my game is coming back.8221;
Masters champion Woods, a three-time winner this year, is playing in his final tuneup event for the British Open in two weeks at Troon, Scotland. This was his first sub-par round since a 67 in round two of the US Open.O8217;Meara, who won the Pebble Beach pro-am and the Buick Invitational in early February, began on the back nine. He birdied the 11th and 13th holes, the latter on a 14-foot putt, and eagled the 519-yard 15th hole with 40-foot putt.
O8217;Meara then birdied three of the last six holes, finishing on the ninth with a 14-foot birdie set up with a bunker shot. 8220;I stayed patient and realised the course would be playing tough,8221; O8217;Meara said. 8220;It8217;s a good course, I just don8217;t play it well. If I putt well, I can play as well as any other player on the PGA Tour.8221;
Woods also opened on the back nine and began with two birdies, then birdied the 15th, 16th and 17th with short putts.
