Tiger Woods Works Kinks Out of Game at Quicken Loans National

Rusty.

That’s how Tiger Woods looked Thursday playing in the first round of the Quicken Loans National golf tournament at Bethesda’s Congressional Country Club.

Tournament host Woods shot a 3-over par 74 in his return to the PGA Tour following back surgery for a pinched nerve in late March.

"The score is not really indicative of how I played," Woods said on ESPN. He had bogeys on seven of the first 12 holes before landing birdies on three of his final six holes.

During a Tuesday press conference Woods said he knows people expect him to play well.

"Expectations don't change. That's the ultimate goal. It's just that it's going to be a little bit harder this time,” he said in a USA Today story. “I just haven't had the amount of prep and reps that I would like, but I'm good enough to play, and I'm going to give it a go."

Greg Chalmers leads the field after the first day with a 66 and has a one-shot lead over Ricky Barnes and Freddie Jacobson, ESPN says. Defending champion Bill Haas, Patrick Reed, U.S. Open runner-up Erik Compton and Tyrone Van Aswegen all shot scores of 68.

If you’re planning to attend the tournament, the weather forecast from The Weather Channel calls for a 20 percent chance of rain Friday and Saturday, creeping up to a 30 percent chance on Sunday, so pack an umbrella. Highs should be in the mid- to upper 80s.

This is the eighth year of the Quicken Loans National and the sixth time it has been held at Congressional, Patch previously reported. The tournament raises money for the college-access programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation, local charities and supports the United States military.

Woods was sidelined since back surgery nearly three months ago for a pinched nerve.

Details on all ticket options are available at www.QLNational.com.

Do's and don'ts for spectators:

• Security checks are being done for all passengers prior to boarding shuttles. Don’t bring any bags larger than 6x6x6. No bags larger than this will be permitted into the tournament.
• No public drop-offs or pickups are allowed around the main entrance of Congressional on River Road. For those getting dropped off or picked up, use the taxi, limousine or private vehicle drop-off near the entrance on Persimmon Tree Lane. No parking or standing is allowed, so coordinate times accordingly.
• Pedestrians walking along Bradley may only cross at marked crosswalks. Watch for oncoming traffic! There’s bound to be plenty of cars moving through the area.
• The only authorized exit from Congressional grounds is through the main entrance on Persimmon Tree Lane.
• Bikers are welcome to park and lockup at the bike racks available at the main entrance.
• No backpacks, beepers, beverage containers, coolers, firearms, folding stools without bags, ladders, large camera bags, periscopes, picnic baskets, radios, signs, televisions or video cameras are allowed. All items brought to the tournament are subject to search.