Tiger Woods slumped to a seven-over-par 79 in the first round of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am in Adare.
Playing with three amateurs in a round that took almost six hours, the world No1 carded one birdie, six bogeys and a double bogey. More than 40,000 turned up – lining the fairways 10-deep – to watch the American who was making his first appearance in Europe after admitting a string of extra-marital affairs.
The 14-times major winner left the course after the game and was ushered away behind the black-tinted windows of a waiting car. Woods is planning to fly back to the US tomorrow night before returning for next week's Open at St Andrews.
Padraig Harrington said the Scottish links was ready-made for the 34-year-old American, who won the Open there in 2000 and 2005.
"There is no doubt that, if Tiger hits form, he's comfortably the favourite to win any of the majors and St Andrews sets up very well for him," the Irishman said.
Woods will partner Sir Nick Faldo, the five-time winner Peter Thomson and Mark Calcavecchia in the four-hole Champions Challenge being held on the eve of The Open at St Andrews next Wednesday.
There are 27 former winners taking part and the successful team will be presented with a cheque for £50,000 to be donated to charities of their choice.
The event is part of the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the first championship. The challenge will be played over the first, second, 17th and 18th holes, with one score to count at each hole.