CARNOUSTIE, Scotland — Tiger Woods steadied his creaking back nine with three straight pars in the final holes to shoot an even-par 71 in his opening round at Carnoustie.

Playing his first British Open since 2015, Woods birdied two of his first four holes and was 2 under after picking up another shot at No. 11.

The 14-time major champion bogeyed Nos. 13 and 15, then scrambled well to par his way home.

Woods was five shots off the lead held by Kevin Kisner.

Woods arrived for his round with two pieces of tape on his neck but downplayed any concerns. "It's no big deal," he said, "you've just got to play."