Tiger Woods fails to roar in first round of Thailand tournament

The 24-year old Woods, whose mother is a Thai national and therefore receives a hero's welcome in Thailand, was not playing at his legendary best on Bangkok's Alpine Golf and Sports Club course where temperatures hit 33 degrees Centigrade on a windless day.

Woods, who is chasing his 10th title of the year, missed several putts en route to a 68-finish on the par-72 course. Smith led the way with a seven-under-par 65 shots to lead fellow- Australian Paul Gow (66) and Scot Paul Lawrie (67).

British golfer Peter Baker was the only player to get a hole-in- one on Thursday on his third green, for which he won his weight worth of whisky from the title sponsor. The winner of the tournament Sunday will win 1.3 million dollars.

In 1994 Woods was the Johnnie Walker Classic amateur winner, when he also won the hearts of the Thai people. Woods received an honorary doctorate of philosophy in "sports science" from Kasetsart University on Tuesday, shortly after his arrival.

But Thai enthusiasm for the half-Thai golf pro has been dampened this time around by Woods' limited public appearances.

He was also confronted by protesters in connection with his sponsorship deal with Nike, who allegedly still have to pay compensation to some 1,000 of their former workers in Thailand.

(la/dpa)