Tiger Woods bogeys twice near end of first round at Torrey Pines

Tiger Woods struggled at the finish of the first round Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open, finishing with two bogeys and scrambling for par on No. 18 in the final hour of play at Torrey Pines.

K.J. Choi and Brandt Snedeker lead the tournament at seven-under-par 65. Choi’s round was most impressive as he played the more difficult South course and had a six-hole stretch with five birdies while Snedeker, who didn’t have a bogey, played the North.

Woods, who has won seven times as a pro at Torrey Pines, is three shots back after his 68 on the South course, which played 1 1/2 strokes higher than the North on Thursday.

“I made a few mistakes out there, but I made some nice plays as well,” said Woods, among 16 players tied for 20th at 68. There are nine players tied for 11th at 67, including Tag Ridings and Justin Hicks, who played the South course.

Josh Teater is the only player among a group of eight tied for third at 66 to have played the South course.

Said Charles Howell III, who had a 66 on the North course, “The real one is tomorrow.”

Phil Mickelson shot even par on the North course.

ALSO:

Listen to Lennay Kekua’s voicemails to Manti Te’o

New Orleans Pelicans -- new nickname lacks sting of Hornets

Phillies’ Delmon Young can make $600,000 by making weight limit