"I was not hitting the ball very good most of the day, so I was very fortunate to be in the match," Woods admitted.
"I made three bogeys and gave him three holes, but somehow hit a good shot there at 14 and made the putt.
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"Today was one of those lucky times where everything just happened to turn my way at the right time."
Tiger Woods |
"Today was one of those lucky times where everything just happened to turn my way at the right time. I'm very, very fortunate to advance to the second round."
Woods made putts from longer distances at each hole, starting with a 14-footer at the par-three 14th, followed by a 17-footer, a 22-footer and a 35-footer, before halving the final hole with a par to win 1-up.
Europeans won 10 of 19 matches as Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia all posted victories.
Monty beats Furyk
Harrington, reigning British Open champion, built a big lead with six birdies in the first 12 holes against American Jerry Kelly and went on to win 4-and-3 at Dove Mountain.
"I got the start I wanted (2-up after four holes) and from there on I felt solid and kept moving forward," said the Harrington.
"Jerry obviously had to go after the pins and was under more pressure in that sense. That really made all the difference, the putting.
"I don't believe I am quite on the top of my game. I'm not feeling as comfortable as I could when I'm on the course. I'm working hard for everything I'm getting."
Montgomerie beat highly-rated American Jim Furyk, 3-and-2, on a day when fellow British players Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Bradley Dredge also won their respective matches.
Next up for Woods is Arron Oberholser, who defeated left-handed Canadian Mike Weir.
Australian Adam Scott is the only No. 2 seed left after Rory Sabbatini, Justin Rose and Jim Furyk were all sent packing on Wednesday.