Tiger Woods surprised many when he announced he would be playing in the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
Two years removed from nearly losing his right leg in a car accident. A right leg that had to be pieced back together with a rod, plates and screws. At that point he was unsure that he would ever be able to again play the game that brought him 15 major championships.
Woods was bound and determined to not only play this tournament but also be in contention to take home title number 16. Not only did the 46-year old Woods play day one, he showed flashes of the dominant Tiger of old. He made it through his first 18 holes with a 1 under 71.
There was a huge crowd that gathered to see his first tee shot which ended up in the rough much to his dismay. But he was able to par the hole and get himself going in the right direction. This was his first tee shot since his last official round of competition 508 days ago.
His best shot of the day came on hole 6 which is a 180 yard par 3. Woods nearly aced the hole and putted for his first birdie after missing a birdie put on hole 5. He made par on the first five holes before his first birdie.
Not all of his tee shots were solid as at one point he missed the green on five consecutive holes but recovered well. His short game and putting kept him in contention after day one.
His best putt of the day came on the par 3 hole 16 which has been nicknamed "Redbud". He was able to drain a long, curling putt for birdie and unleashed his famous fist pump to the delight of the crowd.
It was not his best performance but certainly an impressive one considering what he has been through and his current physical condition. It will be interesting to see how his repaired leg bounces back from a day of walking 18 holes. There is no doubt he will be sore for day two, but the desire and determination he showed on day one will no doubt be there once again for day two. Whether or not it's enough to win the Green Jacket remains to be seen