Tiger Woods’ latest comeback at the Hero World Challenge was nothing short of remarkable. I admit I might be biased, but seeing Tiger return to the game feels like he’s playing with bonus chips at this point.
However, his performance wasn’t quite up to his legendary standards. Scoring a +3 (75) isn’t typical for Tiger, whom I consider the GOAT. If it were my golf game, I’d be over the moon with that score, but Tiger undoubtedly aims higher than a hack like myself.
In the first round at Albany Golf Club, Woods demonstrated both resilience and skill, finishing with a 3-over 75. The round began smoothly with a par on the first hole, following a fairway hit and a near-miss birdie. Yet, challenges arose early, notably at the par-3 second hole, where a wayward tee shot led to a tricky par save.
Tiger’s third hole showcased his iconic skill with a birdie, despite difficult lies. However, a stray second shot on the fourth resulted in a bogey, setting him back to even par. The round was a rollercoaster, highlighted by a near 50-foot birdie on the 11th, but marred by a double bogey on the 15th due to an errant tee shot. Woods’ stamina appeared to wane towards the end, particularly evident in the final holes.
Overall, Tiger’s performance was a blend of solid shots and a few mishaps, underscoring the challenges of his comeback. It wasn’t just about the score but his capability to compete after such a long hiatus, a noteworthy accomplishment in itself.
Critiquing Tiger’s first non-major competitive round in years seems harsh, given the rust he’s shaking off. While he seemed to struggle physically towards the end, it was expected. Will Tiger clinch another major? It’s uncertain, but I wouldn’t bet against him. Remember, this is the same golfer who won the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines on one leg.
THREE OFF THE TEE 
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