The golf world was abuzz with anticipation as Tiger Woods made his long-awaited return to the Genesis Invitational. After a lengthy recovery from ankle surgery and a hiatus from the sport, Woods was ready to once again grace the fairways and showcase his skills. As the first round unfolded at the Riviera Country Club, fans eagerly watched to see how the legendary golfer would fare.
Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California holds a special place in Tiger Woods’ heart. It is a course he knows well, having played in 12 tournaments there throughout his professional career. However, despite his familiarity with the grounds, victory has remained elusive for Woods. As he teed off for the first round of the Genesis Invitational, he was determined to conquer Riviera and add a win to his impressive list of achievements.
As the first round unfolded, it became evident that Woods was still shaking off some rust. He finished the day with a 1-over par 72, a respectable score but not the strong start he had hoped for. Woods attributed his inconsistent performance to a lack of consistency in his game. He admitted to struggling to find a rhythm and felt that he couldn’t string together a series of pars. Despite these challenges, Woods remained optimistic and looked forward to improving his play in the following rounds.
Throughout the round, Woods battled with back spasms, which impacted his performance on several occasions. His struggles were most evident on the 18th hole, where a shank off the tee sent his ball deep into the rough behind some trees. Woods, ever the competitor, managed to recover with an impressive shot that navigated through the obstacles and landed just 15 feet from the hole. However, a missed par putt resulted in a bogey, highlighting the challenges he faced due to his back issues.
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In a post-round interview, Woods explained that his back had been spasming for the last few holes, leading to the errant shot on the 18th. He acknowledged that it was a frustrating experience but remained determined to address the issue and improve his condition for the upcoming rounds.
Despite the setbacks, there were moments during the first round when Tiger Woods reminded everyone of his greatness. On the 11th hole, a par 3, Woods showcased his iron play by hitting a precise shot that landed just 14 feet from the hole. He coolly sank the putt, earning a birdie and bringing his score back to even par. It was a glimpse of the Tiger Woods of old, displaying his trademark precision and skill.
Woods also demonstrated his power off the tee on the 17th hole, a challenging 609-yard par 5. His drive traveled an impressive 324 yards, setting him up for a chance at eagle. While he missed the long putt, he confidently tapped in for a birdie, once again showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Tiger Woods’ journey back to competitive golf has not been without its challenges. Following his withdrawal from last year’s Masters tournament, Woods underwent ankle surgery, aiming to address plantar fasciitis that had been plaguing him. The surgery and subsequent recovery period kept him away from the sport for an extended period.
The Genesis Invitational marked Woods’ first PGA Tour start since the surgery, and it was clear that he was still finding his way back to peak form. Despite the setbacks, Woods expressed gratitude for being able to compete again and acknowledged that it would take time to regain his competitive edge.
No one is immune to the dreaded shank.
Not even Tiger Woods. pic.twitter.com/6qJQY1W5yU
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 15, 2024
As the tournament progresses, Tiger Woods remains focused on improving his game and making a strong comeback. He recognizes the challenges he faces but is determined to overcome them. With his ankle on the mend and a deep reservoir of talent and experience, Woods is poised to make his mark on the Genesis Invitational.
