ESPN 2009 Open Championship

TURNBERRY, Scotland --- After a month of sunny skies and warm temperatures, the weather changed almost on cue Sunday as rainy, chilly weather greeted Tiger Woods -- who delayed his first practice at Turnberry because of it.

Woods

Woods, the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world and prohibitive favorite at this week's British Open, got his first look at Turnberry. Without warming up, he teed off just before 1 p.m. local time, 8 a.m. ET.

After a few practice swings, Woods swatted a long iron for his first shot and was off with caddie Steve Williams -- who braved the elements in shorts.

This is believed to be the first time since 2006 when Woods has arrived at a major championship venue having never seen the course. That year, Woods won his third British Open title at Royal Liverpool.

Turnberry, located on the West Coast of Scotland, has hosted the Open just three times, the last in 1994 -- the year before Woods played in his first at St. Andrews.

Woods comes into the Open after a victory at his own AT&T National last week for his third of the year. Each has come two weeks before a major championship. Woods went on to tie for sixth at both the Masters and U.S. Open.

Last year, Woods missed the British Open while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. It was the first time he had not played in a major since 1996, and Ireland's Padraig Harrington went on to win his second straight Open.

Since returning from surgery in February, Woods has played in nine tournaments, with top-10s in all eight stroke-play events and a PGA Tour-leading three victories.

Bob Harig covers golf for ESPN.com. He can be reached at BobHarig@gmail.com.