Tiger's back, goes off on photographers at British Open (VIDEO)

Tiger Woods is back at the British Open. And so are those pesky photographers clicking away in the background of the Royal Liverpool GC.

Woods,  in his first major since returning from back surgery, shot a 69 in the first round Thursday — good enough for eighth when he had finished his round. But he got a little teed off when the photographers started snapping away.

Just like old times, Tiger.

British press rips Rory McIlroy for 'brain dead' comment

It's hard to believe any professional athlete woke up for Friday's morning coffee and wanted nothing more than to sic the dog on the paperboy more than Rory McIlroy when he saw the headlines.

Kate and William's royal bundle of joy can't come soon enough for the slumping Irishman.

The Fleet Street tabloids jumped all over the golfer's "brain dead" comments after a poor round at Muirfield and roasted McIlroy on the front pages in big, bold print.

After Thursday's dismal round of 79 at the British Open, McIlroy immediately took responsibility for his poor play that featured three three-putts, one putt off a green and into a bunker, two double bogeys, and countless exasperated looks. The world’s No. 2 player — winner of the PGA Championship last summer — must contend not for the Claret Jug, but for the right to play the weekend.

"I wish I could tell you what's wrong or what I need to do to make it right. I feel like I've got the shots. I know I'm capable of hitting them. It's a matter of being in the right place mentally to do it. It's nothing to do with technique. It's all mental."

Then he took it a step further:

"I just need to concentrate. But sometimes I feel like I'm walking around out there and I'm unconscious. I need to try to think more. I'm trying to focus and trying to concentrate. I can't really fathom it. It's a very alien feeling. It's something I've never felt before."

And finally he commented on his putt into a bunker on Thursday:

"It's so brain dead. Seriously, I feel like I've been walking around like that for the last couple of months. I'm trying to get out of it. It's something I've never experienced before."

The British tabloids are always going to sensationalize McIlroy like they did with their front pages today.

But even despite the bad ink, at least the 24-year-old remained honest about his current plight.

Could you imagine Tiger Woods handling it this way?

Phil Mickelson practices his backwards flop shot at Muirfield (VIDEO)

Phil Mickelson, fresh off his victory at the Scottish Open, practiced Monday at Muirfield — site of the British Open Championship.

Mickelson told USA TODAY Sports his goal was to “find a way to make easy pars,” which may or may not include a backwards flop shot once the Open begins on Thursday.

Here, Lefty gives it his best shot to rousing applause.

Vonn a one-woman cheering section for Tiger during British Open practice

Lindsey Vonn braved the chilly Scottish air and watched boyfriend Tiger Woods practice before the British Open starts this week at Muirfield Golf Club.

Vonn, still recovering after tearing two knee ligaments in a February ski accident, is quite the one-woman cheering section — she was also on the sidelines at the Masters and US Open.

The high profile couple appear to be stronger than ever and were seen joking around as they walked through the course.

The sports couple went public with their romance in March in a series of corny Facebook photos and have since attended a string of public events, including the Met Ball in May.

As the supportive girlfriend, Vonn took photos, lent support and did everything but carry his clubs. She looked comfortable for the whole round and sat patiently on the side of the 18th green as Woods sank a putt.

Whether on the course or in the water, Vonn also seems to be a hit with Woods and his kids kids, Samantha and Charlie.

The Olympic skier has been seen on school runs and was snapped jet skiing with the kids and their dad over Memorial Day Weekend near the golfer's Florida home.