Almost seven months to the day (July 15 – February 16) that the golf world has been waiting for this. No longer appeared in competition since the last British Open, Tiger Woods finally returned to his career, Thursday evening (9:10 p.m. French time), during the Genesis Invitational, which brings together 19 of the 20 best in the world and of which he is an ambassador. The features drawn from the start, often walking slowly but without limping, the American signed a card under par (-2), scribbled with several flashes and a few misfires during a game shared with two relatives, Rory McIlroy ( -4) and Justin Thomas (-3).
An entry birdie on a fairly easy Par 5, despite an initial 5 wood having ended its course in the small rough on the right, enough to build confidence. What followed was more uneven: bogey on 4 because of a putt that was too short by one turn of the wheel, birdie on 8 with a magical approach, bogey on 10 with a failed bunker exit, bogey on 12. The most beautiful remained coming. Obviously followed by a huge crowd, Tiger Woods indeed ended his day with three birdies, including a string of 7 meters at 17. He had enough to wear a broad smile when he returned to the clubhouse. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to continue his efforts tonight and then this weekend in the event of a missed cut.
Max Homa, winner of the 2021 edition, and Keith Mitchell, winner of the Honda Classic in 2019, should not have this kind of concern. They took the lead of the tournament with a cannon card (-7).
