Tiger Woods disappointed with return after scoring 75 – says he has work to do

Following more than six months away from competitive play, Tiger Woods’ return to the course at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas was anything but ordinary.

Starting strong, Woods went 1 under par through his first three holes, outpacing his playing partner Justin Thomas. However, his round took a turn for the worse as he struggled through the next 15 holes, ultimately finishing with a 3-over 75.

Reflecting on his performance, Woods admitted, “I got off to a decent start. I didn’t play the par 5s particularly well all day. I had really a lack of commitment through most of the middle part of my round and finishing.”

His first round back since withdrawing from the Masters in April due to ankle surgery to address post-traumatic arthritis was a challenge, both physically and mentally. Despite the struggles, Woods saw the round as a crucial step in his recovery process.

While battling through soreness and physical discomfort, Woods recognized the need for improvement, stating, “I’m sore, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve got some work to do tonight, tomorrow to get back in the gym and activate and get ready for it.”

He also acknowledged the mental errors he made on the course, emphasizing the importance of regaining mental sharpness in addition to physical strength.

The round served as a test of Woods’ rebuilt ankle, which has rid him of previous pain but now faces the challenge of coping with the forces exerted by his powerful swing.

Looking ahead, Woods aims to return to competitive play in 2024 with a schedule focused on prioritizing his body’s needs, highlighting the hours of preparation and recovery required to maintain his physical condition.

Concluding his erratic start to the tournament, Woods reflected on the unforeseen challenges of his journey back to competition, suggesting that an eventful start may not be the worst thing given the circumstances.