Tiger Woods has made a promising and acclaimed start to the 86th US Masters on his comeback.
The five-time tournament champion, who had to fear for his career after a serious car accident 13 months ago, was on course after nine holes at the Augusta National Golf Club – and thus just behind the leading group at this early point in the first round.
At 11:06 a.m. local time, Woods had teeed off at hole 1 (Tea Olive). After four strokes he holed to par – the spectators applauded enthusiastically.
The 46-year-old wore an azalea-pink shirt reminiscent of the blooming rhododendrons on the legendary Magnolia Lane golf course.
Storms and heavy rain delay Tiger Woods’ comeback
After five pars, Woods’ full ability flashed for the first time on hole 6 (Juniper). With the tee he put the ball on the flag and holed for a birdie. An inaccuracy led to a bogey on the 8 (Yellow Jasmine).
The Chilean Joaquin Niemann provided the first highlight of the tournament with an eagle on the 9 (Carolina Cherry). As the leader, he was three strokes ahead of Woods.
The return of the crowd’s favorite had been delayed as storms and heavy rain had swept across the pitch in the morning.
That’s why Bernhard Langer (64) had to wait before he was allowed to set foot on the lawn in Augusta again, 40 years after his debut. The tournament winner of 1985 and 1993 has set himself the goal of the cut. After five holes, Langer was one shot over par.
Tiger Woods aims for tournament victory
Woods doesn’t just want to be there or make the cut. He wants to win and thus accomplish a sporting miracle. After his car accident in February 2021, he “didn’t get out of bed for three months,” Woods said.
A leg had been broken several times. “I’m lucky that I’m alive and that I still have my right leg,” he once said.
25 years ago, Woods had won the Masters for the first time. In 2019, after a long period of suffering with severe back pain, he won his 15th major title in Augusta. Fans and rivals had been looking forward to the return of the exceptional golfer.
“It’s just another level of excitement to see him and see him play,” said his opponent Billy Horschel.