DUBLIN, Ohio, May 23 (UPI) -- Jack Nicklaus shot a respectable 1-under-par 71 Thursday while Tiger Woods failed to break par for the first time all year in the opening round of the $4.5 million Memorial.
Bob Tway. meanwhile, took a one-shot lead with a 7-under 65.
A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the 62-year-old Nicklaus has struggled with back problems recently and almost didn't compete for the first time at the 7,221-yard course that he designed.
But, Nicklaus, who has 70 career victories on the PGA Tour and 10 more on the Senior Tour, showed some of his old luster with a round that included five birdies, a bogey and double bogey.
"Not a great round," Nicklaus said. "I mean a good round for me, and it's a good round in relation to the field today. But, years ago, if I would have shot 71, I wouldn't be real happy. But, I'm tickled pink today."
Woods, who seemingly always is compared to Nicklaus, clearly is the world's best golfer now. But, he struggled Thursday as he attempts to make history this weekend.
Trying to become the first player in 75 years to win the same tourmanent four years in a row, Woods shot a disappointing 74, including a double-bogey on the par-4 18th hole. Woods was so angry afterward that he refused to meet the media.
