Tiger Woods is up and down in return to competition

Tiger Woods impressed a world-class field after a 16-month layoff in Thursday’s opening round of the Hero World Challenge despite double bogeys on two of the last three holes to shoot a one-over par 73.

A lone back nine birdie was offset by the two doubles and a frustrating bogey at the par-5 11th.

Two-time European Tour victor Dodt came home in 31 to be sevenunder for the tournament after a 65 and hold a two-shot lead over New Zealander Ryan Fox and American Julian Suri. Woods added a 12-footer for eagle at the par-5 ninth and displayed solid strength off the tee and trademark skill at chipping and putting, closing with a 15-foot par putt.

Double-bogey – Woods couldn’t stay under par thanks to a few mishaps on the 18th hole, where he double-bogeyed to finish at one-over 73. It’s like Springsteen singing in Jersey, or LeBron shooting in Cleveland – total homefield advantage.

He then shifted into top gear with a run of three straight birdies to move into a share of the lead. He chipped it really well, except for the one on nine. Kind of like his round. Now he’s back at it, at the age of 40.

Now, let’s leave behind the mind and go with the heart.

For a short time, Woods seemed up to the task.

Woods “ready” for long-awaited comeback was posted in Sports of TheNews International – https://www.thenews.com.pk on December 02, 2016 and was last updated on December 02, 2016.

Tiger Woods, dressed head-to-toe in black, blew past close friend and Golf Channel reporter Notah Begay as he strode to the first tee Thursday just before noon at Albany. His third shot found the fringe of the green but he sank a clutch 15-foot par putt, pumping his right fist even before the ball fell into the cup. “After that we were jawing pretty good”. “But he’s got some work to do”. Meanwhile, trailing Holmes on the leaderboard is Hideki Matsuyama with a 7-under 65, and Dustin Johnson at 6-under 66.

He was in so much pain a year ago there were times he wondered he had played his last tournament. To get up there on that first hole and feel it again and then dumb it down to be able to control it and get into my feel where I play my best, well, that was nice.

Woods, who hosts the tournament to the benefit of his charitable foundation, did make one rookie error. “I made some really silly mistakes”.

The Open champion Henrik Stenson shot a 67, along with two others, while Jordan Spieth finished with a four-under 68. He then postponed his return as a player twice and finally, at the Hero World Challenge, the world has the chance to see him play again.

“All in all, I felt pretty good”, Woods said. It’s been a long time.

That’s when some combination of Woods’ rustiness and the omnipotent golf gods forced him to collectively pump the brakes during his return engagement to competitive golf.

Even with the wind at his back, Tiger Woods figured only a ideal 5-iron from 231 yards would reach the green. And for now, small victories are where Woods will have to start.

“The first eight looked really awesome”, Reed said.