It took one swing for Tiger Woods to show golf fans what’s still possible.
The 15-time major champion returned after a seven-month absence and piped his opening tee shot right down the middle overnight, Australian time, at the Hero World Challenge. Have a look at the drive that went 298 metres (326 yards):
First hole, first fairway.@TigerWoods’ first round is underway at the Hero World Challenge. pic.twitter.com/4QP1FXFAhD
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 30, 2023
For reference, Woods’ blast was the longest of the day as he teed off. And playing partner Justin Thomas blew his so far right he had to take an unplayable-lie penalty. Yes, it’s a limited field, but 298 down the middle after a long layoff for a man turning 48 at the end of this month isn’t too shabby. So you can forgive Golf Twitter—and even Brandel Chamblee—for getting excited about it.
“These swings look so much better that even a couple days ago,” the Golf Channel analyst said. “It’s extraordinary.”
Woods would par his first two holes before birdieing the par-5 third after another booming tee shot. Things went downhill on the back nine, with a double-bogey on the 15th hole not helping the comeback, but there were ample good signs.
Woods hasn’t played since withdrawing midway through the third round of the Masters in April. Shortly after that, he underwent subtalar fusion surgery on his right ankle.
This marks the third time Woods has returned from injury at the Bahamas event he hosts. Woods has also committed to play with his son, Charlie, at this month’s PNC Championship for a fourth consecutive year.
