Daniel Popovic could sense Tiger Woods in the group behind him and heard more boos than claps on his World Golf Championship debut where nerves left him with a nine-over-par 79.
The Australian PGA Champion struggled with the massive step up in class at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational but remained relatively upbeat despite being 15 shots off Webb Simpson’s pace after the opening round.
The 27-year-old faced a whirlwind introduction to the big stage with big crowds moving about due to seven-time winner and world No.1 Woods playing in the group behind.
He also had to adjust to multiple boos, which were coming affectionately for playing partner Boo Weekley.
“My score is disappointing. I just jumped onto a bit of a bogey train and I was on a roll going the wrong way and found it hard to get myself out if it,” the Victorian said.
“I definitely stepped out of my element. I probably put a bit too much pressure on myself to hit it close. It’s one of those courses you can’t always attack it and I sort of got into that attacking mindset when I wasn’t hitting it fantastic. That’s how you walk off with nine-over.”
Popovic was still smiling, happy just to be among the world’s best and excited about the chance to play three more rounds in the no-cut $US8.75 million ($A9.85 million) event, where last place still banks $US41,000. ($A46,000).
“I am going to head into tomorrow trying to be a bit more patient and hopefully it will be a better day,” he said.
“I need to get more in control of my mind and myself. The crowd was great even though I didn’t get much love.
“They expect some high-quality golf and hopefully, over the next few days, I can show them some.”