Tiger Woods crossing the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole at St Andrews
Tiger Woods acknowledged the adulation of the fans as he crossed the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th fairway at the Old Course

Tiger Woods wiped away tears as he was cheered the entire length of the 18th hole at the 150th Open Championship.

This was recognition of his standing in the game even though he was about to miss the halfway cut.

Woods skipped last month's US Open to make sure he would be fit to play his favourite course at this week's major.

The 46-year-old didn't say it would be his last Open Championship, but he did say it would be the last time he played at St Andrew's.

I was able to understand what Jack and Arnold were feeling in the past. They know what it takes to win an Open Championship.

I feel emotional because I don't know if I'll be able to play when it comes back here.

An official announcement is yet to be made, but it is believed that the next Open will be held at St Andrew's in 2027.

Woods said he would need a 66 to make the weekend after an opening eight-over-par 78. He is still feeling the effects of the car crash that almost cost him his right leg and that would make it impossible for him to win a race.

He had a smile on his face after a third-quarter goal. There were two bogeys on the fourth and sixth holes.

A run of nine pars followed before he tried a flop shot over the green on the 16th and only succeeded in sticking his ball in the sand.

Thousands of fans were eager for a glimpse of the man who has had such a huge impact on the game over the past 25 years, regardless of his performance.

Fitzpatrick won his first major at Brookline in June. Max Homa and the Englishman paused to acknowledge the adulation that Woods had received.

He had to think before he played his final chip. He missed the par putt after nudging the ball to within four feet.

Fitzpatrick missed a putt that would have given him a 66, but he signed for a 66 to get to six under.

Just as Woods was finishing up at 15:14 BST, the leader of the tournament was going to start his second round on six under par, three behind the leader.

Johnson, who has been suspended by the PGA Tour for joining the LIV Golf Series, shot a five-under-par 67.

He has a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler, who shot a bogey-free 66.

There's more to come.