Tiger Woods deals with back spasms in PGA Tour return

Tiger Woods returned to the PGA Tour in the Genesis Invitational’s first round on Thursday, posting a one-over-par 72. His surgically-repaired back troubled him throughout the day, with spasms affecting his play, particularly evident in the final holes.

In his first PGA Tour appearance since April, Woods’ performance was a mixed bag, marked by five birdies and six bogeys, including a frustrating finish on the 18th where he shanked his second shot into the trees. Reflecting on his round, the 15-time major champion expressed a blend of satisfaction and frustration, acknowledging the inconsistency in his game.

Despite undergoing spinal fusion surgery in 2017, Woods showcased resilience, notably recovering from his errant shot on the 18th with a remarkable display of skill to salvage par. However, he admitted to experiencing soreness in his leg, a lingering effect from a car crash two years ago.

Although plagued by physical discomfort, Woods reassured fans that his foot injury, which forced him to withdraw from last year’s Masters, was no longer a concern. Looking ahead, he acknowledged the need for improvement and expressed readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.

The Genesis Invitational, a prestigious event on the PGA Tour, boasts a significant purse and attracts top players. This year, American Patrick Cantlay surged to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive seven-under 64. Notably, Woods, who has yet to claim victory at the event, also serves as its tournament host, adding another dimension to his involvement this week.