A late taste of that incomparable 'Tiger magic' has added sparkle to the golfing superstar's first round in an elite level event for seven months.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 47-year-old American treated a typically boisterous gallery of fans to a finish of three consecutive birdies at the Genesis Invitational, a tournament he hosts, in California on Friday (NZ time).
The strong closing salvo helped Woods card a two-under par round of 69 playing alongside world No 2 Rory McIlroy and seventh-ranked Justin Thomas in a powerhouse day one group at the famous Riviera Country Club.
It had the 15-time major winner, who finished with five birdies and three bogeys, five shots back of a lead shared by countrymen Max Homa and Keith Mitchell at seven-under.
Woods has played just a handful of events since recovering from serious leg injuries he suffered in a car crash in early 2021.
The Genesis was his first official tournament since he missed the cut at the Open Championship in July last year, and first PGA Tour event in two-and-a-half years.
In December, he played in 'The Match' exhibition event and then alongside son Charlie in the father-son PNC Championship.
Lurking one shot back of the leaders at six-under was Spanish world No 3 Jon Rahm, while another top 10 player, Collin Morikawa was part of a quartet of players at five-under.
McIlory carded a four-under 67, while Thomas was at three-under.
- RNZ