5 Top Moments from Hero World Challenge: Tiger’s Commitment Struggles, Tony Finau’s Speed, and Jordan Spieth’s Electric Factory Round

Tiger Woods experiences a few hitches during the Hero World Challenge.

NASSAU, Bahamas – Tiger Woods threw grass in the air at the eighth tee, trying to assess the breeze and calculate his next move. Uncharacteristically, he grappled with his concentration and had trouble committing to his shots, showing signs of rust. Woods struggled throughout the day, shooting a 3-over 75 at Albany Club in the opening round.

Woods expressed gratitude for being back on the course after a 235-day absence post-surgery. He struggled with a lack of mental sharpness, but displayed power and hit paveraging 300+ yards.

At the Hero World Challenge, there was plenty of speculation about how Woods would perform both on and off the course. He expressed physical discomfort after the round, emphasizing his soreness.

The competition heats up on Friday as Woods is paired with Rickie Fowler at 11:02 a.m. ET. Here are four other notable results from the first round of the Hero World Challenge.

Harman’s short game is sharp

Brian Harman of the United States showcased his impressive short game during the first round of the Hero World Challenge, making 10 par-saving scrambles. His playing competitor, Lucas Glover, also highlighted the commendable play.

Finau starts strong

Tony Finau, returning to action after a hiatus since the Tour Championship in August, was pleased with his opening round. His time off did not hinder his performance, as he shares the first-round lead with Brian Harman. Finau expressed his satisfaction and highlighted his focus on maintaining physical strength and health ahead of the season.

Morikawa’s comeback

Collin Morikawa looked strong as he marked a return to the course, recording a 3-under 69. After battling back concerns in previous tournaments, Morikawa expressed his delight at being back in action and highlighted the need to remain cautious.

Spieth provides a mix of results

In what he described as an “electric factory day,” Jordan Spieth displayed a mix of exceptional and rusty play, ultimately shooting 4-under 68. Spieth showcased a spectrum of shots, from fortunate putts to unsteady strokes.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.