Wayward Woods struggles to opening 71 at Turnberry

By Tony Jimenez

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - World number one Tiger Woods had a day to forget at the British Open on Thursday, sliding to a one-over-par 71 in the opening round.

The 33-year-old American showed his frustration at times, hurling his clubs to the ground as errant shots failed to find their intended target on a calm, sunny day at Turnberry.

Woods, bidding for a 15th major title, reached the turn in one-under 34 with birdies at the second and seventh and a bogey at the third.

Three bogeys and a single birdie on the back nine meant he finished six strokes adrift of clubhouse leader, 59-year-old Tom Watson, on an excellent day for scoring.

"I certainly made a few mistakes out there today," three-times champion Woods told reporters. "Realistically I probably should have shot about one or two under par but I made a few mistakes and consequently I'm at one over.

"Hopefully tomorrow I can play a little better, clean it up and put myself headed in the right direction."

(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)