Tiger Woods reacts on the 18th green during the second round of the 2024 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club April 12, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (Warren Little/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods returned to the PGA Tour with a one-over-par 72 at the Genesis Invitational on Thursday as Rory McIlroy struggled.
Woods, who had ankle surgery in April 2023, was playing his first round of an official PGA Tour event since the Masters in April.
The 15-time major champion is tied for 49th, with only the top 50 players making the cut after 36 holes.
He is eight strokes behind leader Patrick Cantlay on seven-under 64.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is tied for 64th on three-over after a disappointing opening round of 74.
Englishman Tommy Fleetwood fared slightly better with a one-under-par round of 70, while American world number one Scottie Scheffler is in a tie for 10th after a three-under-par 68.
Former world number one Woods carded five birdies and five bogeys, ending the first day in California with a bogey after firing a surprise shank far to the right on the 18th fairway.
“Oh, definitely, I shanked it,” said Woods.
“My back was spasming the last couple holes and it was locking up,” he explained, adding he would receive treatment to be ready for the second round.
“But that’s just part of the deal, and I look forward to the challenge.”
Woods’ last win on the PGA Tour was at the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan, which saw him equal Sam Snead’s record of 82 Tour victories.
His schedule has been limited since injuring his leg in a car crash in 2021.
