Darren Clarke and Tiger Woods will both admit they need vastly improved rounds to hang around for the weekend at the Dubai Desert Classic.
Clarke posted a +3 round of 75 that was certainly not helped by two double bogeys.
Woods, in his second tournament back after a long injury lay-off, went around in 77. His scorecard included five bogeys and no birdies. For the person that has dedicated themselves to tracking every one of his pro golf shots, it was a frustrating day...
https://twitter.com/GCTigerTracker/status/827066957216219138
It had all started so serenely for both men, however. As two of the early starters, Clarke and Woods parred their first four holes and would have been hoping to pick it up a gear.
Woods dropped two shots before the turn, however, and his struggles were mirrored by Clarke [+1 after seven holes]. It was then that there was a chink of hope as Woods stiffed a nice iron approach to give himself a lengthy birdie opportunity.
Golf scribe Robert Lusetich was not impressed, though. Reckoning it was a false dawn, he brought former Open champion Clarke into the discussion.
https://twitter.com/RobertLusetich/status/827027228227559424
Clarke and Woods still had some grinding to do and both men will be aware, with the leader Sergio Garcia up on -7, that they will need to shoot low tomorrow so they can hang around.
Clarke's mood was not brightened in the slightest by the Lusetich tweet, after his round, and his response reflected that.
https://twitter.com/DarrenClarke60/status/827068524946403328
For the record, Lusetich has not won any Claret Jugs.
Here's hoping that both Major winners can shoot low on Friday.
