Tiger suffers frustrating return at US Open

MAMARONECK, New York, June 16 (Reuters) Back in action for the first time in more than nine weeks following the death of his father, Tiger Woods said he was feeling plenty of emotion during his opening round of the US Open.

But there has never been any place for sentiment or self pity in Woods's game and there was none on display at Winged Foot Golf Club.

The world number one said there was only one emotion that overwhelmed him yesterday.

''Frustration,'' Woods told reporters after returning a six-over 76 to match his worst opening round at a major.

''Three-over after three holes...not very happy.

''The fans were absolutely incredible cheering me on.

''I understand the situation where everyone is looking for me to be more emotional.

''But right now, I'm just focusing, just trying to win a championship.'' Woods received a heartfelt welcome back from a large gallery as he prepared to tee off for the first time without the steadying presence of his father Earl, his lifelong mentor, adviser and friend.

But the crowd failed to lift the world number one as he laboured through an outward nine scarred by six bogeys, including three straight to open his round.

RUST EVERYWHERE Despite his denials, there were signs of rust everywhere on Woods's game as he sprayed his tee shots from pillar to post and struggled to find his touch on the unusually slow greens.

His round featured only two birdies -- one on the par-five fifth and another on the 15th to help offset a double-bogey seven on the par-five 12th.

''I felt pretty good,'' said Woods, who had not played since a third place finish at the US Masters. ''I expected to be on the rusty side, but I really felt good.

''I started off swinging well. The only thing that got my round out to a bad start was not adjusting to the greens. And once I did that, I was fine, but I was so far behind.

''They've been slow all week, I just didn't make that adjustment faster.

''If I would have just made the adjustment on the greens faster then I wouldn't have been so far behind the eight ball.'' Woods had his game face on right from his opening tee shot to his four-foot closing putt for par on the 18th.

The only expressions Woods displayed were familiar ones, wincing at near misses and the occasional smile breaking across his stoic face.

Woods conceded there were aspects of his game which need to improve if he is to challenge for a third U.S. Open title but his mental game was not one of them.

''My mind, definitely, just being patient, grinding and fighting, staying calm and getting the job done, being focused on each and every shot, that was fine,'' said Woods.

''Unfortunately I got so far behind earlier and the conditions toughening up a little bit, I just didn't get it back.

One other aspect of Woods game not dulled by the layoff was the 10-time major winner's reknowned determination and confidence.

''It's been done before, hasn't it?'' questioned Woods when asked if he thought he could rebound from the first round disaster.

''Just have to plod along, so we'll see what happens.'' REUTERS PM VC0925