Tiger Woods finishes strong in first round at Genesis Invitational

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 17 February 2023

Woods finishes strong on return at Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods finishes the first round of the Genesis Invitational with three birdies having made his return to the PGA Tour on Thursday.

Tiger Woods sensationally ended his first round at the Genesis Invitational with three birdies on his return to a PGA Tour event on Thursday.

Although the legendary American has competed in majors since breaking his leg and ankle in a car crash in 2021, he had not participated on the standard PGA Tour since October 2020.

As is his trademark, the 47-year-old told reporters that he was playing the event in California with the target of victory, one which would be his 83rd on the PGA Tour.

Woods's lack of competitive action showed at times during the first round, quickly dropping to one-over-par after 12 holes despite reaching the turn two shots better.

However, Woods wowed the packed gallery with a stunning finish to his round, first converting a five-foot birdie at the par-three 16th after a brilliant tee shot.

At the penultimate hole, Woods drained a putt from 23 feet seven inches to get back under par, before holing from seven feet seven inches at the last.

Birdie
Birdie
Birdie@TigerWoods closes out his first round @TheGenesisInv in style. pic.twitter.com/aBmxuBak0w
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 17, 2023

While Woods only sits in 27th spot, five shots off the lead, he will now attempt to make the cut against the odds, also having to manage the effects and strain of his injuries from two years ago.

Speaking after Thursday's play, Woods said: "I was able to fight back and get it going, it was a nice finish.

"That's the only reason why I tee it up. There will come a point in time when I can't do this anymore, but right now I feel like I still can, given the right golf course.

"There's nothing like game time, the feeling of the butterflies and trying to calm all that stuff down. [With] the adrenaline, the ball goes further. I had to dial all that back in."

Max Homa and Keith Mitchell currently sit at the top of the leaderboard, closely followed by Jon Rahm who is attempting to return to world number one.

Rory McIlroy, another chasing that spot, is in a share of seventh, while current incumbent Scottie Scheffler is down in 44th place.