Tiger Woods’ return to Augusta National for the 2023 Masters featured a lot of what fans are used to from the golf icon — both good and bad.
First, the bad: Woods struggled mightily on the front nine, lipping putts out of the cup on multiple occasions and turning pristine drives into bogey finishes.
The good news, however, is that he finished just 2-over par on the day with a round of 74, sinking two late birdies to find his groove. Only a bogey on No. 18 should really leave Woods feeling sour after the first round.
While Woods did win the 2005 Masters after shooting 74 in the first round, there’s just no question he’s a much different player these days. But even still Woods can still dial up the types of shots that remind everyone why he’s a legend.
On Thursday he had at least four of those worth watching again.
Opening round 74 for @TigerWoods #theMasters pic.twitter.com/crITlesTM8
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 6, 2023
1
Tiger nearly holes out for eagle on No. 8
Tiger Woods gets his first red number of the day, nearly chipping in for eagle at the par-5 eighth. He gets back to 2 over, six back of leader and playing competitor Viktor Hovland.pic.twitter.com/Aw5JqQOOdL
— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) April 6, 2023
Just a tap in for birdie after this bit of magic.
2
Tiger goes around a tree while targeting the pin on No. 10
Tiger Woods with a BEAUTIFUL shot around the tree…
I think Tiger got his swagger back pic.twitter.com/dBLDtIfRXo
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) April 6, 2023
Making impossible angles look effortless.
3
Birdie putt drops on No. 15
Perfect read, perfect putt.@TigerWoods makes birdie on No. 15 at #theMasters pic.twitter.com/HzojWHpJq9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 6, 2023
Drained it from 27 feet out.
4
Back-to-back birdies on the back nine
TWO STRAIGHT BIRDIES FOR TIGER WOODS 👀👀#TheMasters pic.twitter.com/Lw0B74dFpQ
— BetFTW (@Bet_ForTheWin) April 6, 2023
Stuck his first shot eight feet from the pin and cleaned it up for another much-needed birdie.
