Woods' 'Successful Comeback with 2 Under Par'... 'Did You See the 3 Consecutive Birdies?'

'Special Tournament' Genesis Invitational Round 1

‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA, photo) made a successful comeback.

On the 16th (local time), Woods shot 2-under 69 in the first round of the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational (total prize money $20 million) held at Riviera Country Club (par 71, 7,322 yards) in Palisades near Los Angeles, California. He is five strokes behind the joint leaders Max Homa and Keith Mitchell (both USA), who both shot 7-under 64.

Woods returned to a regular tournament after seven months since the major Open in July last year. He played alongside world No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and his ‘close friend’ Justin Thomas (USA). A large gallery holding smartphones gathered around the fairway to catch a glimpse of Woods.

Woods made five birdies and three bogeys. He thrilled golf fans with a birdie on the 1st hole (par 4). Afterwards, he struggled to lower his score with one birdie and three bogeys. However, Woods showed a strong finish with three consecutive birdies on holes 16 to 18, improving his position. After completing the first round, Woods took off his hat to greet the cheering fans.

Woods hit tee shots up to 338 yards, with an average of 311.7 yards, demonstrating that he can still compete in distance. His green in regulation rate was 66.67%, and his putts per hole stood out at 1.583. McIlroy finished the first day with 4-under 67, and Thomas with 3-under 68.