Woods Looks Solid In Return After Five Month Break

Opening the blustery Memorial with a one-under 71, Tiger Woods appeared sound physically and played a calm, mostly-rust free round alongside Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. Either he’s swinging at about 80%, as he did in the successful run-up to the 2019 Masters, or maybe his flowing swing of today looks slower thanks to Bryson’s recent slashing.

Either way, the combined sight of such good tempo and seemingly effortless accuracy suggests he’s well positioned for the upcoming majors.

From Steve DiMeglio’s story, noting just how tough the winds were when the all-star threesome teed off, and Woods’ struggle to make putts.

“I was very pleased the way I drove it, my feel for my irons. I just didn’t quite hit the putts hard enough. Most of my putts were dying, didn’t quite have enough oomph to it.”

Tiger Tracker was pleased with the performance too, noting that either poor positioning or a conservative approach led to only one par-5 birdie. Woods hit 8 of 14 fairways and 13 of 18 greens.

ESPN.com’s Mike Wells focused on the odd sight of Tiger Woods playing before no gallery, the perks that came with it and any different vibes.

"I definitely didn't have any issue with energy and not having the fans' reactions out there," Woods said. "I still felt the same eagerness, edginess, nerviness starting out, and it was good. It was a good feel. I haven't felt this in a while."

The round highlights: