Tiger Woods impresses on return at Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods to skip US Open. File Pic
Tiger makes long-awaited return to golf. File Pic

Internet Desk: Tiger Woods first competitive tournament in last 16 months – an opening 1-over 73 in the first round of the Hero World Challenge – was filled with both good and bad.

Woods made four birdies in his first eight holes at Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, including three straight from Nos. 6-8. He made two impressive chips on the front and hit a few powerful drives. But then came the bad.

Woods bogeyed the par-5 ninth after hitting his ball into a bush off the tee. He then found another bush with his second shot at the par-5 11th, and that time had to take an unplayable. He went on to bogey the 11th.

“I had some awkward shots, there’s no doubt about it,” Woods told Golf Channel after his round.

After a birdie at the par-5 15th, Woods doubled Nos. 16 and 18. On the 16th, he hooked an approach from the fairway and into another bush. On the 18th, he pulled his drive into the water.

“If you think about it, I hit the ball in three bushes and had a water ball today,” Woods said. “It could’ve been something really good.”

Woods got through his round without injury, but he is nine shots back of leader J.B. Holmes, who shot 64. Still, Woods feels good.

“All in all, I feel pretty good and looking forward to another three days,” Woods said.