Woods’ bad putting might end his No. 1

Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 | 9:48 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

HAVEN, Wis. -- Frustration at recent major championships has become a familiar feeling for Tiger Woods.

He answered questions patiently on Thursday after opening the PGA Championship with a disappointing 75. But barring a brilliant rally over the weekend, Woods' 0-for-9 streak in major championships will become 0-for-10, and his streak of 127 made cuts in all tournaments could also end.

Woods missed his only cut as a professional at the 1997 Bell Canadian Open, but after Thursday's round, he was more concerned with his poor putting.

"I didn't hit the ball all that poorly, but I sure putted bad," said Woods, who needed 32 putts to complete his round.

Woods has been ranked No. 1 in the world for 331 consecutive weeks, tying Greg Norman for the longest period at No. 1. But that streak could end.

If Ernie Els wins the PGA, he will replace Woods as No. 1 in the world ranking if Woods finishes worse than second. If Els finishes second here, he will still take over No. 1 in the world if Woods finishes 17th or worse.

"Without wind, and with the greens being receptive, all that trouble, all of those bunkers that you see aren't really in play," he said. "If I had known I would have shot 3 under, I would've taken it in a heartbeat."

Even if someone bumps Haas from the top 10 this weekend, he may be one of Hal Sutton's two captain's picks Monday.

But his quadruple-bogey 8 cost him more than just four shots to par. It likely cost him any chance of making his first Ryder Cup team.

Needing a great performance to earn his way onto the team, Daly turned in his worst score of the year -- an 81 -- leaving him 16 shots out of the lead and headed for his third weekend off in the majors.