Tiger Woods carded an opening 72 at the Genesis Invitational, his first PGA Tour start in 10 months.
The American’s latest return to competitive golf comes following another long layoff, but his one-over-par round at Riviera was solid enough, shooting lower Rory McIlroy (+3) and last year’s runner-up Max Homa (+2).
The 48-year-old carded five birdies and six bogeys to put himself in a share of 49th place after day one.
“It’s impossible to prepare for,” Woods said of returning to competition after a lengthy layoff.
“I rely so much on experience and having done this a long time, but still having the adrenaline dump in the system, ball goes further, speed goes up, just the yardages are a little bit different than they are at home.
“It’s just different, and that’s just a part of playing competitive golf.”
It didn’t all go to plan for the 15-time Major winner though, as he shanked his approach shot on the closing hole which ultimately lead to a bogey-five on the 475-yar par four.
“My back spasmed on it,” Woods said of his shank on the 18th. “It’s been spasming the last three holes, and it just locked up on me.
“Didn’t move, didn’t rotate, and presented hosel first.”
Woods tees off in round two at 11.54pm UAE time on Friday, February 16.
