Smoltz shoots 84 in nationwide debut

VALDOSTA, GA. (AP) — John Smoltz had a much tougher time on the golf course than he had on a hill.The former Atlanta Braves pitcher struggled in his debut on the Nationwide Tour, complete a 12-over 84 Friday that left him in last place after a round of the South Georgia classic. "Well, I am disappointed. Anyone can be, "wrote in his blog on Smoltz www.pgatour.com. "I don't think I've shot 84 in the last five months, or perhaps the last five years."Smoltz began Thursday and got in only seven holes due to stormy weather. He never found his swing at Kinderlou forest Golf Club, resigns himself missing the cut but hope he could put up a decent score in the second round on Saturday. "I play this weekend. It is a different way than I hoped for, but I play at the weekend, he said 43-year-old Smoltz never found the range with his approach shots and missed numerous putts inside 10 feet to save par. He acknowledged that go through two long delays on the first day the damage his chances to put up a decent score. "I never got in a rhythm, "said Smoltz, who was playing on a sponsor exemption. -I am not used to many things here, but it is what is attractive about a tournament like this. Delay is not something you train for, but you are. You do not want to shoot the score I shot, but of course, be better for it tomorrow. "He led to another course in the area in some additional Valdosta swings before nightfall Friday. "Sitting at this round were not good, "wrote Smoltz. "I will work on releasing the clubhead and an adjustment of the page. I felt like I was lagging behind in the Club and it is not going to get it done. I have different mental images when I arrive (Saturday). "Smoltz spent almost his entire career with the Braves, the only pitcher in major league history to record 200 WINS and 150 saves. He fought through the 2009 season with Boston and St. Louis before moving to radio and television.