Genesis Invitational 2023: Tiger Woods opens with 69, trails Max Homa and Keith Mitchell

The distance from the 18th green to the Riviera Country Club clubhouse is rather steep. Woods finished his first round of competitive golf in seven months with three birdies on the final three holes to score a 2-under 69 at the Genesis Invitational 2023 and make his comeback to the PGA Tour an electrifying one, despite an ailment that still pains the 15-time major champion when he walks. Woods is 5 shots behind joint leaders Max Homa and Keith Mitchell.

Tiger Woods’ happiness on the 18th was the result of seven months of patience and recovery, but it was also a fitting conclusion to a round that was everything but simple. Woods battled for crucial parts throughout the course of more than five hours, recovered from three bogeys, and finished with a flurry of legendary shots that completely altered the tone of his game.

It was anticipated that Woods would struggle on the back nine given his physical condition. Even if that could have been the case, his performance increased as the round went on. Drives increased in distance, approach approaches tightened up, and putts began to fall. Before going up to the 16th tee and striking the shot of the day, Woods made three consecutive pars after making bogeys on the 10th and 12th holes.


It nearly felt like a formality by the time he reached the 18th green and needed only a few feet to make his third consecutive birdie. No fist pump occurred when the ball landed; instead, he immediately saluted the supporters who had been clapping for him nonstop since the first tee shot.
Given his health, Woods' comeback is a positive development. He continued to walk with a tiny hiccup throughout the whole round as he tried to relieve pressure on his right ankle. Woods took off his right shoe several occasions throughout the round to alter his ankle brace and sock. Other times, while he awaited his shot, he raised his right foot in an effort to lengthen it.

Woods took some time to apply a cream on his lower right back as he finished on the 11th hole.
Woods claimed that playing with Thomas and McIlroy, two of his closest friends was a big part of what made the round fun.

FAQs:

Q1. What was Tiger's best shot ever?
16th hole in the final round of the 2005 Masters.

Q2.Who hit the longest golf shot?
Michael Newsom and Richard Newsom