Tiger Woods played his first competitive round ofgolf in more than a year at the Masters on Thursday.- He did not disappoint.
Just two weeks ago, most of the
On Thursday, he lived up to his word.
For someone who hasn't played a competitive round of golf in more than a year, not to mention taking on one of the toughest fields in the sport just 14 months after a car accident nearly cost him his right leg, Woods looked right at home walking
On his first swing of the day, Woods looked a bit tight, sending his drive on No. 1 right of the fairway. Despite starting the hole out of position, Woods was able to work himself back with his next three shots, concluding with a delicate par-saving putt from 10 feet out.
—The Masters (@TheMasters) April 7, 2022
When the ball finally fell in the hole, it felt like a weight had lifted over the round. So much anticipation had led into those opening moments of Woods' return. After his par at the first, Woods was back to golfing.
Tiger's shot of the day came at the par-3 No. 6, which he almost aced.
—The Masters (@TheMasters) April 7, 2022
He'd tap in an easy birdie there to get under par on the day.
At the par-3 No. 16, Woods would find another birdie, this one thanks to his skill with the flatstick.
As the crowd roared in approval, Woods treated them to a vintage Tiger fist-pump.
—The Masters (@TheMasters) April 7, 2022
At every corner of the golf course, patrons would rise to cheer, pay their respects, and welcome Tiger back to Augusta National.
—The Masters (@TheMasters) April 7, 2022
Woods finished the day with three birdies and two bogeys, ending the day with a one-under 71. When he walked off the course, he was tied for ninth in the tournament, still well within striking distance of the leaders.
After the round, Woods was asked by ESPN what the next 16 hours of his life looked like, ahead of his Round 2 tee time Friday afternoon.
"Lots of ice," Woods replied with a smile.
—Sports & Videos Guy (@SprtsAndCharcol) April 7, 2022
Woods might not be 100% just yet, but in his first round in competition since an accident that made the world question if he would ever play again, Woods showed that he still has some gas left in the tank.