Tough start: Tiger stumbles to 5-over 77 in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Tiger Woods walked cautiously from the driving range to the first tee, swung tentatively for the first few holes, got off to a slow start and never recovered during the opening round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The result was his worst score in 29 rounds at Emirates Golf Club, a 5-over-par 77 that included no birdies, left him 12 strokes back of Sergio Garcia, and almost assuredly will have him looking at plans to leave for home early.

Despite appearing to be uncomfortable, especially early on, Woods said there were no issues with his back.

"No, I wasn't in pain at all," he said. "I was just trying to hit shots and I wasn't going a very good job. At the…