Tiger Woods' niece Cheyenne shoots 75 in US Women's Open

KOHLER, Wisconsin (AP) - Given the chance to show that she had the game to match her famous family name, Cheyenne Woods did just fine...

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KOHLER, Wisconsin (AP) — Given the chance to show that she had the game to match her famous family name, Cheyenne Woods did just fine.

Woods shot a 3-over 75 in the first round of the U.S. Women’s Open on Thursday — a round that wouldn’t quite measure up to the best days of her uncle, Tiger Woods. But it wasn’t bad for a 21-year-old recent university graduate who just turned professional and was playing in her first Open.

“I feel pretty good about my round overall,” Woods said. “It’s a tough course, and I’m just happy to have survived.”

The crowd at Blackwolf Run certainly knew about Woods’ famous family ties. Woods said she heard occasional whispers coming from the crowd and had her share of fan support.

“Everyone out here has been really, really supportive, cheering us on,” Woods said. “I’ll give them props for coming out today, because it’s definitely hot out there.”

Woods grew up in Arizona and is used to temperatures over 100 degrees (38 C) — but the combination of high temperatures and humidity was challenging.

“I’m a little drained after that almost six-hour round, but I’m just happy to be here and excited to be a part of the U.S. Open for the first time,” Woods said.

Woods was 3 over through nine holes, then had back-to-back birdies, only to finish with bogeys on two of her last three holes.

“I felt like I held in there pretty good,” she said.

Woods said she expected to hear from her uncle later in the day.

“He’s always been supportive of my career and excited that I’m taking this next step,” Woods said.

Woods said she has turned to her uncle for occasional swing advice, but mostly relies on him for emotional support.

“He’s the best player in the world and I have him at my fingertips if I need help,” she said. “So it’s nice to have.”

 

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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