Tiger Woods faces uphill battle at US PGA Championship

On a day of low scoring in ideal conditions, Woods got under par for the first time with a birdie on the par-five seventh, his 16th hole, only to then three-putt both the eighth and ninth to record a disappointing 72.

"Bad speed on eight, whipped it past the hole," the 15-time major winner said.

"And on nine hit it short. Hit it off the heel of the putter and blocked the second one. So wasn't very good on the last two holes."

Woods, who won the US PGA at Valhalla in 2000, made a record 24th consecutive cut in the Masters last month but struggled physically as he slumped to a third round of 82, his highest at Augusta National by four shots.

A closing 77 left him 60th and last of those who made the cut.

"Each day is a little bit different. Some days, it's better than others," the 48-year-old said of his physical woes.

"My body is just that way. Some days it feels great and other days a bit of a struggle.

"I am getting stronger, for sure. It's just that I just don't play a whole lot of competitive rounds. I haven't played since the Masters. So it's a little bit different than being at home and playing a flat Florida course."