Brent Delahoussaye, a struggling rookie from Greensville, S.C., who quite frankly no one covering this tournament had ever heard of destroyed the 7,046-yard layout, with a blistering eight-under-par 62. His shocking round now stands as both a competitive course and Open record. Tied for second, only two strokes back were Brock Mackenzie and Vance Veazey — who like Delahoussaye have never won a PGA tournament. Never even had a sniff. Veazey and Mackenzie matched the previous course record, held by Canadian legend George Knudson — with six-under par 64s

Nine golfers finished at 65, most of them unfamiliar to golf fans as well, the exception being Hunter Mahan. “I’m shocked. I knew I was playing well, and I didn’t even know how many under I was at one point,” said Delahoussaye, who played his historic round with a pair of Canadians — Jon Mills of Oshawa and Moose Jaw’s Adam Hadwin. “I’ve played with Jon a bunch on the Nationwide Tour. All three of us played pretty well. The crowd was really great for all of us. I know they’re both Canadians, but they were really good to me. We just had a good time.” Mills shot a three-under par 67, tying him with Calgary’s Stephen Ames for the lead among Canadians. Hadwin finished at 68.

Delahoussaye, 29, was one of the last golfers to tee off Thursday on a course many predicted would offer stiff resistance. So much for that thought. “I woke up this morning and looked and the scores and said: ‘Wow!’ I did not see that many low scores out there in the practice round (on Tuesday).”  Delahoussaye, whose best finish on the PGA Tour was a tie for 53rd in the Byron Nelson, eagled his first hole, the par-5 ninth, birdied the 10th and never looked back. “I wasn’t thinking about a course record,” he continued. “Or thinking about leading the tournament. I was just thinking about hitting shots, and I just need to take that mentality into the next three days.”

Rain is in the forecast for Friday’s second round. “I imagine it’ll be tougher,” said Delahoussaye, who had one eagle, six birdies and a bogey during his round. “I know there’s three days of golf left on a tough course, and I’m just going to go out there and play one shot at a time like I did today.”  Delayoussaye said he didn’t do anything special in the 24 hours leading up the tournament. “My wife and I went to the Bon Jovi concert (at the Air Canada Centre). I woke up the same way I always do. I put on my pants the same way I do every morning. With a 2:15 tee time I didn’t even have to set the alarm.”

Mackenzie, from Coos Bay, Ore., has only played one other PGA tournament this year and missed the cut. He got into the tournament based on his recent success on the Canadian Tour. “One shot at a time,” Mackenzie said when asked about his thoughts for Friday’s second round. “My game felt good today but I also know I can sleep wrong and feel totally different tomorrow. “Hopefully, it’s the same way the next three days.”

His last major victory, and perhaps his greatest, came in the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines where he beat compatriot Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole playoff, despite a painful knee and a double stress fracture of his left tibia. Since then, however, Tiger’s world has seismically shifted. The legendary aura of invincibility he once enjoyed at the expense of his closest rivals has all but disappeared following his stunning fall from grace at the end of last year. Woods stepped away from the game for five months after his double life was stunningly exposed amid revelations of a string of marital infidelities and has failed to regain his golfing dominance since returning to the circuit in April. Although he has produced flashes of brilliant shot-making and the occasional inspiring round, he has struggled for consistency. Top-four finishes in the first two majors of the year sandwiched a missed cut at the Quail Hollow Championship.

He did not capitalise on a well-crafted opening 67 at last week’s British Open, fading into a tie for 23rd, and in many respects he now resembles the rank-and-file player on the PGA Tour whose average score is 70. Woods remains a long hitter who has tightened his form from tee to green in recent weeks but his ability to contend over the final nine holes has been severely eroded by erratic putting.

Notah Begay III, who shared a room with Woods when they were students at Stanford University, believes his good friend is close to his best but needs more time to balance his life away from the course.

“He’s like anybody else,” Begay told a news conference earlier this week for the PGA Tour’s Turning Stone Resort Championship. “It’s going to take some time for the emotions to settle and for him to sort of get 100 percent focused on golf. ”When somebody goes through a divorce, much less such a public one, it’s going to be difficult to process what’s going to happen, how they’re going to cope and deal with things.”

Although Woods has made his worst start on the PGA Tour in 12 years with regard to winning, Begay feels the world number one is not far from producing his customary tip-top form.

“He’s hitting it as solid as I’ve ever seen and just not able to put things together,” Begay said. “That’s just how difficult this game is, even for a guy of his talent level.”

Woods, who has made a habit of dwelling on the positive aspects of his own game, was delighted with his performance from tee to green last week at St. Andrews.

“I drove it great all week, hit my irons pretty good and did not putt well except for the first day,” he told reporters after closing with a level-par 72 at the home of golf. ”The biggest positive is I’ve built on my ball-striking. I just need to get where my pace is good and start seeing some putts go in.” His continual frustration on the greens was highlighted at the British Open when he abandoned the Scotty Cameron putter he had used for 11 years in favour of a new Nike model before switching back for the final round.

Woods will return to the PGA Tour at the Aug. 5-8 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, an elite event he won for a record seventh time last year. He will then launch his bid for a 15th major title at Whistling Straits the following week.

On the evidence accumulated so far this year, he cannot expect to be regarded as a favourite for the PGA Championship. Augusta National, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews had all been remarkably successful venues for him in the past and yet he failed to deliver in the year’s first three majors. A Tiger triumph at Whistling Straits will hinge on improved putting.

(Editing by Steve Ginsburg; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

According to a Sports Illustrated ranking published today, the embattled golf star, who lost a string of endorsements totaling in the tens of millions of dollars following admissions of infidelity, pulled in $US90 million ($102.8 million).No.2 on the list, Phil Mickelson, trailed his golf rival by nearly $US30 million.

However, the news is more depressing for Woods in Australia. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, sales of his golf franchise video games are plunging.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, the latest game in EA Sports’ long-running franchise, launched on the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 in June.

A manager at one of Australia’s biggest game retailers, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald: “Tiger sales are way down … I’d say we’re probably in the vicinity of the 60-70 per cent mark year on year.

Asked whether he believed Woods’ extramarital affairs had any impact, the manager said: “I think there are certainly some factors at play, and I imagine Mel Gibson movies are down at the same time.”

As for the US market, game sales tracker NPD Group reported first-month sales of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 were down 68 per cent from the previous version a year ago.

The Ultralite also features a horseshoe-shaped weight pad on the rear perimeter of the sole for stability on mis hits, a club face 21% bigger than the original Launcher 460 and the Launcher Comp and is fitted with a 40 gram Graphite Design shaft that is also an inch longer (46.5″) than that of the standard model.

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He had three-putt bogeys on consecutive holes. He hit a flop shot that ran over the green and into the water. And he bottomed out on the 15th green with a four-putt double bogey from just over 30 feet.

“It is what it is,” Woods said when asked if rust or mechancis were the culprit. “Whatever it was, it wasn’t good enough.”

Not even close.

Making the performance even more surprising is that Woods was coming off a tie for fourth at the Masters three weeks ago, a remarkable performance considering it was his first competition since a five-month break after being caught cheating on his wife.

This was a big step back.

The 79 was his second-worst score as a pro behind an 81 that Woods shot in the wind-blown third round of the 2002 British Open at Muirfield when he was going for the Grand Slam. His 43 on the back tied his worst nine-hole score on tour; he also shot 43 at the Bay Hill Invitational three years ago, and the 1996 Tour Championship.

“Hes obviously got things in his mind other than whats going between the ropes right now,” said British Open champion Stewart Cink, who played with Woods. “Youve got to learn how to balance whats going on in your life with your golf. And if youre not in a great place mentally, then it sometimes shows up out there.”

This was his first time playing at a regular PGA Tour event with public ticket sales, and the crowd was gracious as ever with a few exceptions. Two fans, including a woman, held thumbs-down as Woods walked off the 15th green. Police also escorted away a fan who apparently heckled Woods as he left the 17th green. A friend of the fan, who declined to give his name, said the fan only said, “No red shirt for you on Sunday.”

Otherwise, it was clear over the last two days the fans were more interested in Woods as a golfer than anything to do with his personal life. He just didnt give them much to cheer. And he wont be around for the weekend.

Billy Mayfair was the leader through 36 holes. At 8-under 136 after a 68, he had a one-shot lead over two-time major champion Angel Cabrera, who played in Woods group.

For Woods, it was the first time he had missed a cut since the British Open last summer at Turnberry, and the first time at a regular PGA Tour event since the Disney Classic at the end of the 2005 season.

“Give this guy a chance, though. He’ll bounce back,” Mayfair said. “We all know that. Everyone on tour knows that. By him missing a few cuts here and there, its just going to make him come back even stronger. I dont think anyone out here is worried about Tiger, and Im sure Tiger is not worried about it right now, either.”

One shot over the projected cut going to the back nine, Woods bogeyed the next three holes before it really turned ugly. He hit driver on the 329-yard 14th hole well to the right on a hill, leaving him a downhill shot to a green sloping toward the water. His flop shot came out too hot and went into the water for a double bogey.

He had little chance of making the cut at that point, though more drama followed. He four-putted the 15th, missing a 30-inch putt.

“Ive seen him struggle like that off the tee,” said Cink, who also missed the cut. “But hes usually the magician that gets the ball up and down from everywhere, hits some miraculous shots out of the trees and stuff. But you’ve got to remember, he hasnt played a lot of golf since about November. Its hard to just come back and be the magician instantly.”

Mr Bush was shown in the Michael Moore film Fahrenheit 9/11 condemning “terrorist killers” in the Middle East when asked a question on the golf course in 2002. Barely pausing for breath, he added: “Thank you. Now watch this drive.”

Mr Bush later gave up golf, saying in a 2008 interview: “I don’t want to some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf… And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.”

The golfing figures were compiled by Mark Knoller of CBS Radio, the unofficial White House statistician.

The world No1 made the comments today in the first blog to be posted on his website, tigerwoods.com, since 5 October. He also paid tribute to the fans who welcomed him back to golf at the Masters two weeks ago, following a 144-day absence.

A late November car crash was followed by the publishing of allegations about a string of extra-marital affairs involving Woods, prompting the American to take an indefinite leave of absence from golf.

The 14-time major winner finished in a tie for fourth at Augusta and in his new blog Woods said his game has got better since then.

“I took a little time off after the Masters to go scuba diving and spend time with my family,” Woods said. “But I did enjoy a fun round of golf with my friend John Cook at Isleworth Country Club. I double-eagled the par-five 17th hole – the third of my life – with a five-wood and shot 63, so my game is improving.”

Of his performance at Augusta National, Woods said: “I have to say it felt great to return to competition at the Masters Tournament.

“To actually contend in a major on the back nine Sunday and tie for fourth with very little preparation, with all that has transpired in my life, was pretty cool.

“I honestly didn't know what to expect from the fans but they were absolutely incredible from Monday through Sunday. It was unreal. They definitely helped me mentally to be more comfortable out there. I was hoping for the best. To get that type of warmth is something I did not expect and will never forget.”

Woods, who said the support he received “means more than you know” said he was glad to be back and that competing again “was just like riding a bike”.

The four-time Masters winner, though, was disappointed to finish his week with a round of 69 that left him five strokes behind the winner, Phil Mickelson, whom he congratulated.

“It also felt great to be in the hunt again but unfortunately I didn’t have my game. I knew I needed to make a run but I just didn’t have one in me. I had a terrible warm-up session Sunday and it carried over to the first tee.”

Woods, who earlier this week committed to The Players Championship in two weeks time and the AT&T National in July, also referred to his use of bad language during his round at Augusta, for which he apologised at the time.

“Its tough when you’re in a competitive environment and in the flow of a tournament. I’m not perfect. All I can say is I’m trying to do everything I can without losing my fire and competitive spirit.”

Of Quail Hollow in North Carolina, Woods called it “one of my favourite courses on tour. It’s traditional, right in front of you, difficult, and you have to shape shots both ways. I managed to win there in 2007 and look forward to going back.”

“There are a lot of positives for me out there,” triple major winner Harrington told Reuters on Friday after playing a practice round at the famous West Course just outside London.

The 38-year-old Irishman has in the past been criticial of the venue for the European Tour’s flagship event but radical alterations by South African world number seven Els, who owns a house on the Wentworth estate, have received a big thumbs up.

“I actually like the changes and I think they suit me. I know I’m putting pressure on myself but I’m looking forward to the tournament in four weeks time,” said Harrington after a round organised by his clubmakers Wilson.

“Once I heard they were going to re-model the greens I said, I’ll be one of the first there.”

Few of the 18 holes remain untouched, with the most eye-catching changes on the par-four eighth and the par-five 18th, which is now a true golfing test in Harrington’s view.

“I know it was iconic before but now it’s more substantial,” said the 2007 and 2008 British Open winner and 2008 US PGA champion.

“It’s got that higher level of difficulty so nobody can just turn up and have an easy birdie or par.”

Harrington discovered that first hand on Friday when he found the water that now protects the 18th green from players seeking to reach the putting surface in two.

“I think I’ll lay-up in the tournament,” he joked.

BACK IN SHAPE

After claiming three majors out of six in 2007 and 2008, Harrington has not contended as much as he would have liked but he feels his game is back in shape.

“I was maybe trying too hard at Augusta but I’m positive going forward and swing-wise, and mentally I’m ready to go,” he said referring to his missed cut at the US Masters earlier this month.

Judging by his form at Wentworth, the bubbly Irishman is not far off the mark.

Despite using several caddies, a throng of fans crowding around him throughout the round and cameras constantly snapping away, a broad grin never left his face as he effortlessly shot around level-par.

“Oh, doesn’t a good putt make up for a lot?,” he chirped on the second green after sinking a 20-footer for par.

Harrington is particularly keen to get to St Andrews for the British Open in July.

“Its a good venue for me.,” he said. “I’ve won a couple of Dunhill Championships there and it’s a good track.

“Although I think a lot of preparation will have to be done as traditionally I've found it quite hard to read the greens because they are so big.”

Harrington also said world number one Tiger Woods struggled with his putting on his US Masters comeback after spending five months on the sidelines following the scandal over his extra-marital affairs.

“His lack of competition showed up at Augusta,” said the Irishman. “He had more three putts than I’ve ever seen him have in an event but thats just a lack of sharpness.”