WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — In its infancy, The Greenbrier Classic was friendly to first-time winners and re-energized the careers of veterans who had been stuck in a rut.

Tiger Woods will take anything positive at this point.

Woods failed to advance to weekend play in his only other appearance in West Virginia in 2012 and, starting Thursday, will try to avoid missing the cut in consecutive tournaments for the first time in 21 years.

In 1994, he failed to advance to the weekend in all three PGA Tour events he entered.

Woods, who’s getting ready for the British Open in two weeks at St. Andrews, has broken 70 only twice in 16 rounds this season.

“I’ve gone through stretches like this,” Woods said after his pro-am round Wednesday on the eve of the tournament on the Old White TPC course.

After posting the highest 36-hole score (156) of his pro career and missing the cut at the U.S. Open two weeks ago, Woods took his children to the Bahamas and enjoyed snorkeling.

“I didn’t touch a club for a while,” Woods said. “It was nice to have a summer break with them like that, especially after the way I played.”

Bubba Watson wouldn’t mind more rest after a grueling playoff win last week at The Travelers Championship. He admits sleep is high on his priority list.

“I’m tired,” Watson said. “I’m worn out. Mentally, the energy level is just not there.”

At least he gets to sleep in his own bed.

Watson moved into a house built last year at The Greenbrier.

His wife, Angie, played in his pro-am group Wednesday along with New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and former NBA coach Mike D’Antoni.

Watson is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 3 in the world. Others in the top 20 at The Greenbrier are J.B. Holmes (13), Patrick Reed (15) and Louis Oosthuizen (18).

This tournament, now in its sixth year, has a penchant for low scores and brings some extra incentives.

Stuart Appleby shot 59 to win the inaugural Greenbrier Classic in 2010.