AUGUSTA, Ga. — It looked like every patron on the grounds was on the first tee for Tiger Woods’ dramatic return to Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday, and the five-time winner of the green jacket did not disappoint.
Playing alongside 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and the winner of his 2022 Genesis Invitational, Joaquin Niemann, Woods began his 2022 Masters campaign with a 1-under 71 aided by countless par saves, including his final putt from 10 feet on the 18th green.
In his first competitive round of golf since the horrific single-car accident that nearly cost him his right leg, Woods looked comfortable as he methodically worked his way around Augusta National, only grimacing once after yanking his tee shot into the trees on No. 9.
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Woods made birdies on Nos. 6, 13 and 16, where he let out the first fist pump of the day on the par 3 after canning a 30-footer. His two bogeys came at the par-5 8th and par-4 14th. The 15-time major champion hit just half of his fairways and greens and still managed to score under par.
Cameron Smith – looking for the Cam Slam – took the early lead despite a double bogey on his first and last holes, carding a 4-under 68. Woods, Oosthuizen and Niemann will begin their second round on Friday at 1:41 p.m. ET.
