By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Poor Tiger.
Things aren't looking too good for him in the start of the Masters.
The man who everyone bragged about being the best is now hitting golf balls into trees and creeks…with a putter!
Woods isn't the only one having problems in the 2005 Masters held in Augusta.
Billy Casper hit five shots into the water on one hole and took a 14, the highest score on any hole. Casper made history, but not the record books, after adding up his score of 106.
Ernie Els also seems to have a new friend on the course by the name of trees where most of his shots have been going.
Nick Flado's Masters came to an abrupt and painful end just nine holes into the tournament when he was forced to withdraw with a mysterious back complaint.
On the other hand, Chris DiMarco is in his comfort zone in The Masters.
DiMarco, who has finished in the top 12 in three of four previous appearances at Augusta National Golf Club, is at 4-under-par through 14 holes of the first round, which was suspended due to darkness on Thursday. Dimarco is the overall leader by one shot over Mark Hensby, but anything can happen as we've seen so far.
Golf fans in the area have their opinions, but Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson both seem to be the favorites around here.
Bobby Hess, Ronnie Smith and Josh Nunez all think that Singh will win the green jacket.
The three were enjoying the last few days of their spring break playing nine holes at Plym Park.
Jim Knapp also agrees that Signh will come out on top.
Montana Knapp didn't agree with his dad on that one. "Phil Mickelson will win. He's the best known golfer."
Dave Hopper, who owns Hopper's resturant in Berrien Springs, is pushing for Tiger even though he's had a rough start.
Bob Llyod would like to see Freddy Couples win and would also like to see Mickelson repeat last year's win.
Gerald Roberts also thinks Mickelson has been playing the best and deserves the win.
The Masters wraps up on Sunday when only one man can claim the win and the green jacket. Who will it be? Who knows with the way things have went so far.