The positive and negative aspects of Tiger Woods’ Thursday return to non-major PGA Tour play were equally evident.
He reached the last three holes.
The 82-time winner hoohummed his way through Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles to a tune of a 2-under-69 in the opening round 2023 Genesis Invitational. He walked off the course T27.
He was not very accurate off the tee, hitting only six fairways out of fourteen. However, he did catch his driver perfectly and the ball went very far. It was very far. Five of his drives went 320 yards or more, and his longest drive was 331 yards.
Although he missed a few chips, his splash shots from the bunker were flawless. After a birdie on 16th, Woods struggled to putt from the distance. His first attempt at putting from the outside was on 17th par-5, when he hit a 24-footer to bring his round back to par. Woods closed his round in the best way he knew, with a third consecutive par.
Woods was still recovering from the single-car accident that almost cost him his leg. He walked well for the majority of the round, but started to struggle down the stretch. Woods’ fitness and form will be tested on Friday morning when he will return to the course with Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy at 10:24 am. ET.
