Nov. 30 (UPI) — Last week he was golfing with President Donald Trump, now Tiger Woods is fist pumping after sinking putts on the PGA Tour.
Woods broke out his signature celebration Thursday at the Hero World Challenge at Albany, New Providence, Bahamas.
He began his day shooting even on hole No. 1, a par 4. He also made par on No. 2. Woods made birdie on No. 3 before saving par on No. 4, 5, 6 and 7. Woods birdied No. 8. He was tied for seventh place after six holes. He was two shots back of Tommy Fleetwood and Dustin Johnson, who were 3-under.
The play of the day so far for Woods was when he saved par on No. 4. Woods’ drive on the 350-yard hole found light rough near the fairway bunker on the right side. He missed the green with a pitching wedge from 157 yards. He then hit a chip shot just up into the fringe. Woods saved par with a long put from off the green. The putt started off to the left, before curling right and dropping into the hole. He followed the attempt by flexing his right arm and pumping his fist in celebration.
Woods dropped another fist pump after his birdie on No. 8.
He nearly completed the front nine without a bogey, before approaching No. 9. He carded a six on that hole to move to 1-under through nine holes.
Thursday’s opening round marked Woods’ first return to competitive golf since February. Woods, 41, had a fourth back surgery in March. He was medically cleared to return to golf activities in October.
The four-day tournament concludes on Sunday.