PGA Tour: Tiger Woods blames rare 'shank' at Genesis Invitational on mid-swing back spasm

His eight iron shot at The Genesis Invitational’s 18th fairway was when things started to look ugly. The PGA Tour legend sent the ball flying behind a couple of trees which set him back quite a lot in the competition. He outlined that it was at this moment that he felt his back lock up.

Nonetheless, he still got two shots to hit a bogey after his shank. But, he still had to admit there was a lot of work to do if he wanted to get the win.

“Things are a little bit sore, but that’s to be expected. That’s nothing that we weren’t prepared for, and we’ve got some work to do tonight and tomorrow… I’m going to be rusty, and I have to do a better job at home prepping. We need to do a better job with lifting and treating and continuation of rehab protocols, all those things. I just haven’t done it in a while,” he declared

Overall, the PGA Tour great had six bogeys and five birdies which netted him a 1-under-34 in the opening round. He disclosed that there were a lot of factors, aside from his back, that affected his performance on the first day

“I struggled with the speed of the greens. I couldn’t believe how fast they were today even though I made a couple. I ran a bunch by the hole today, it was very stressful,” Woods concluded.

Woods currently sits tied at 49th. Patrick Cantlay is at the top of the standings with Cameron Davis, Luke List, and Jason Day right behind him at second. Will the 15-time majors winner get to catch up?