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PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on after his birdie putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the Genesis Invitational on February 16, 2023, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren – The Genesis Invitational Icon2302160011. Image Credits: IMAGO
via Imago
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on after his birdie putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the Genesis Invitational on February 16, 2023, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren – The Genesis Invitational Icon2302160011. Image Credits: IMAGO
Winning the event was the only strategy Tiger Woods had in his mind as he went to tee up at the Genesis Invitational. Although many found it hard to believe, considering his health and form in the past tournaments, he proved them wrong with his mind-blowing performance in the first round at Riviera.
Woods has come back to play his first non-major after over a period of two years. However, he didn’t showcase any struggle regarding this and played extremely well. In fact, at times, he even outdrove his friends Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, with whom he was paired for round 1.
Tiger Woods is roaring at the Riviera Country Club
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According to a social media post from Golf Digest, the GOAT played his first round of a non-major event after 844 days. Starting off strong, he birdied the par-5 first hole and continued with a solid performance, despite a bogey at the fourth, and ended his opening nine holes with a score of 1 under.
The 15-time major winner faced some challenges in the middle of the game as he finished with two bogeys in a three-hole stretch but made up for it with jaw-dropping birdies in the last three holes.
It was not what anyone had expected from Tiger Woods, in his current state. Hence, fans felt like this is the coolest thing that they have seen in a while. Additionally, they expressed how happy they are to see the legend back in form and delivering such great performance on the course.
There is nothing better in sport than watching Tiger do what he just did. Absolute freak athlete. 🐐 https://t.co/6ewx9QHvaN
— Ollie (@OllieButton1) February 17, 2023
Good way to end the first round! Man those last 3 holes were amazing by the goat man was on a mission and laser focused! Ends -2 under leader gonna be -7. Early morning tee time tomorrow go get ‘em tomorrow Tiger! Man it’s great seeing Tiger back! 🐅⛳️ https://t.co/nDWondbpLd
— Phillip Gilbert (@philgilbert24) February 17, 2023
WE BACK 🗣️🗣️🗣️HELL THEY WAS TALKIN BOUT🐅🐅🐅🐅🐅 https://t.co/9XQBcApVCw
— Justen Booket (@Jbook08) February 17, 2023
— Austin (@austincox20) February 17, 2023
Liv wishes it can get this good. Great finish tiger , Justin, rory.
— Mike (@MikeDemiri) February 17, 2023
That has to be the coolest finish to a Thursday round in history.
— tuneblaze (@tuneblaze) February 17, 2023
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Take that LIV 😂😂😂
— Herb Gee (@gee2_herb) February 17, 2023
The big question looming right now is if Tiger makes the cut, will he be able to complete all 72 holes? During his rounds at Riviera, Woods was spotted hobbling and making frequent stops to fix his foot wrapping and sock. He even had to withdraw from the Hero World Challenge in December due to plantar fasciitis.
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Watch This Story – From Tiger Woods to Michael Phelps Here Are the Longest Televised Golf Putts in the Golf History
Tiger Woods has all intentions to win this week. Moreover, fans think he is finally in his element. However, will his health and injuries from the past let him do that? Will he be able to play all four rounds? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
