Tiger Woods followed up his opening round 72 with a round-two 73 and missed the cut right on the line (+5).
Woods entered Bethpage Black having not played since his iconic win last month at Augusta National, and it showed. The 43-year star played alongside halftime leader Brooks Koepka for the first two rounds, and ended up 17 shots behind the defending PGA Champion – who teed it up twice in the weeks between the majors.
Woods was atrocious with his accuracy on Friday, especially off the tee, where he hit just 3 of 14 (21%) fairways.
He cited a recent illness for his lack of preparation leading up to the season’s second major.
“It’s just the way it goes. You know, just don’t feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play,” said Woods.
“You know, unfortunately I just didn’t — made too many mistakes and just didn’t do the little things I need to do.
“You know, I had a couple three-putts. I didn’t hit wedges close. I didn’t hit any fairways today. Did a lot of little things wrong.”
Woods also seemed to look at the big picture, noting his recent major victory.
“You know, I’m the Masters Champion and 43 years old and that’s a pretty good accomplishment,” said a smiling Woods.
Tiger’s Stats
Driving: 283.4 (Rd1), 302.0 (Rd2)
Fairways: 71.4% (Rd1), 21.4% (Rd2)
Greens: 66.6% (Rd1), 50.0% (Rd2)
Putts/GIR: 22/1.8 (Rd1), 18/2.0 (Rd2)
Total Scores: 1 Eagle, 6 Birdies, 18 Pars, 9 Bogeys, 2 Doubles
