Tiger Woods: "I need to work on my putting"

Tiger Woods blamed a cold putter and a lack of competitive reps for his lacklustre tie for 40th in his first start since golf's return at the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.

Woods looked set for a big week when making birdie at the first hole on Thursday, but unfortunately for the 15-time major champion things never quite got going with rounds of 71, 76, 71 and 76 for a 6-over par total, finishing 15 strokes behind new World No.1 Jon Rahm. 

The 82-time PGA Tour winner, who needs just one more victory to move ahead of Sam Snead and take the outright record for most wins, was happy to be back competing again but disappointed with his display on the greens. 

"I didn't putt well," said Woods, who ranked 80th in strokes-gained putting (-1.433) for the week.

"I didn't feel particularly comfortable playing break.

"I've been in Florida playing Bermuda and seeing minimal break, so to come out here and playing 10 to 12 feet of break was a bit different and something I'm going to have to get used to."

The greens at Muirfield Village were also some of the quickest he has experienced at Jack Nicklaus' annual tournament. 

"It's been a while since we've had conditions this quick, but this is how Jack loves it," said Woods.

"It's just whether or not Mother Nature will allow it. I think it's set up - it's difficult, but it's not over the top. 

"Good shots are going to be awarded, and bad shots are going to be severely punished."

Despite being content with his overall golf swing, Woods told the media he is eager to work on his putting ahead of the US PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park from August 6 to 9. 

"I think I need to work on my putting a bit and clean that up," said Woods, looking ahead to the year's first major. 

"As far as my swing is concerned, it felt good. I was able to hit good shots. Friday was a bit off physically, but overall my first week back, it was a lot, a lot of positives."