**Tiger Woods Exits Early at PGA Championship After Tough Round**
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Tiger Woods is heading home early from the PGA Championship after a difficult round on Friday. He posted a 6-over 77 at Valhalla, leading to a missed cut by eight strokes.
Despite favorable scoring conditions, Woods struggled significantly during holes 2-4, going 7 over par. This left him at 7-over 179 in his third career appearance at Valhalla, the site of his memorable 2000 major victory.
“Unfortunately, my scores don’t reflect the warm reception I received and the great week I had,” Woods said. “I just hit too many bad shots.”
Woods’ difficulties were evident on the second and fourth holes, where he faced a series of short-game errors resulting in two triple bogeys.
This missed cut marks another disappointing finish for Woods in major tournaments since his return in 2022 following a severe right leg injury. In six appearances, he has missed two cuts, withdrawn twice, and his best finish has been 47th.
Woods acknowledged he is getting stronger physically, but his performance suggests his game still needs work. Over two rounds, he was 19 strokes behind the leader, Xander Schauffele, and ranked 140th out of 153 players in strokes gained: tee to green.
“I need to play more,” Woods stated.
However, his next appearance will be at the U.S. Open. “Hopefully, my practice sessions at home will come together, and I’ll be ready for Pinehurst,” he added.
**McIlroy Struggles as Schauffele Leads at US PGA**
Rory McIlroy needs a strong Saturday to contend for his first major title in a decade at the US PGA. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods’ bid for a fifth Wanamaker Trophy ended early, with two triple-bogeys in his second round contributing to a 77 and a seven-over total, far from the cut line.
On a notable US PGA Friday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer before shooting a 66. McIlroy and Woods faced late struggles, casting a shadow over the day’s end.
Despite filing for divorce on Monday, McIlroy entered the season’s second major with confidence from recent victories but managed only an even-par 71. His round included a double-bogey six on the 12th, placing him at four-under and outside the top 20, seven shots behind the leader.
McIlroy started well with a long birdie putt on the first hole but could only add two more birdies. Schauffele maintained his lead, following a record-breaking 62 with a 68 to reach 12-under. He is one stroke ahead of Collin Morikawa, who shot a 65. Despite his troubles, Scheffler is just two strokes back, aiming for consecutive major wins and his fifth victory in six events.
While Schauffele shows promise, Woods and veteran Phil Mickelson, who won this major at 50 three years ago, both missed the cut, with Mickelson finishing four-over after a 72.
