Genesis Invitational: Tiger Woods marks return to PGA Tour with one-over-par 72

[CharlieH]

 

Tiger Woods marked his return to the PGA Tour with a one-over-par 72 at the Genesis Invitational on Thursday.

The 15-time major champion, who underwent ankle surgery in April 2023, was playing his first round of an official PGA Tour event since the Masters 10 months ago.

Woods was tied for 55th when his round concluded, with only the top 50 players making the cut after 36 holes.

He is eight strokes behind leader Patrick Cantlay on seven-under 64.

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Former world number one Woods carded five birdies and five bogeys, ending the first day in California with a bogey after firing a surprise shank far to the right on the 18th fairway.

"Oh, definitely, I shanked it," said Woods.

"My back was spasming the last couple holes and it was locking up," he explained, adding he would receive treatment to be ready for the second round.

"But that's just part of the deal, and I look forward to the challenge."

Woods' last win on the PGA Tour was at the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan, which saw him equal Sam Snead's record of 82 Tour victories.

His schedule has been limited since injuring his leg in a car crash in 2021.

 

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