Garcia, so impressive in winning his first major last year, was two-over-par playing the par-five hole and in a good position for a birdie as he played his 200-yard approach shot.
But after spinning back into the water with his first effort, the Spaniard proceeded to put four further efforts from the nearer drop zone into the water.
His sixth effort found the green and he holed the putt for the octuple-bogey 13, the joint worst score on any hole at the Masters and the highest on the 15th, his title defense in ruins after a nine-over 81.
‘It’s the first time in my career I make 13 without missing a shot,” said a rueful Garcia. ‘I felt like I hit a lot of good shots, but the ball just didn’t want to stop. It’s unfortunate, that’s just what it is.”
If Woods is to cap his astonishing comeback with a fifth Masters title he will still have to produce something special over the next three days.
Three-over-par through the 12th, a fighting finish over the closing holes gave him hope he can still mount a challenge.
“I played well, but made a few mistakes here and there and didn’t take care of the par fives,” said Woods.
“I fought hard and had a little bit of a comeback on the back nine.
“There’s still a long way to go,” he added.
Only once in 20 attempts has Woods broken 70 in his first round at the Masters, but he showed early promise with a birdie on the par-4 third to go into red figures.
But instead of kick starting his round it stalled immediately with back- to-back bogeys on the fourth and fifth to go one over par.
He maintained that position through the turn, but the tough stretch of holes known as Amen Corner saw the former 14-time major winner slip through the field.
A wayward drive on the 11th cost him another dropped shot, while his tee shot on the short 12th found Rae’s Creek.
It might have been worse, Woods draining a 20-foot putt for just a bogey to go three-over-par for his round.
Hopes were raised ahead of the Masters after the 42-year-old Woods finished 12th, second and fifth in his last three starts on the PGA Tour and he showed evidence of that improved form with fighting birdies on the 14th and 16th to limit his losses.
Further birdie chances came on the 17th and 18th, but Woods was unable to make further progress.
Feaky insicent..had celebrationa andy maybe went over the top. To say it was scary night was quite an understatemnt. oioulsy from that point to where i stnd today nothing short of a miracle.
Later starters included his great rival , 47-year-old Phil Mickelson, who revived his career with a brilliant victory in the WGC event in Mexico.
Source : Nbcnewyork
