Tiger Woods Shoots A 69 In His Return: Fans React Accordingly

Tiger Woods made his return to golf yesterday afternoon at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, after not playing since February when he withdrew from the 2017 Dubai Desert Classic. Woods finished the opening round with a 3-under-par score of 69. Nice.

Tiger's first round score was better than three of the top eight players in the world, and he sits just three strokes out of the leader. That's not too shabby for a guy who underwent his fourth back surgery in April and hasn't played competitively in more than 300 days.

According to ESPN, the spinal fusion surgery meant Woods had to wait six months to take full swings, and did not get back to hitting balls in earnest until mid-October, just six weeks ago.

After yesterday's opening round Woods said he was happy he was able to get into a rhythm.

Per ESPN,

"It's was not only nice to get that first round out of the way, but I'm only three shots out of the lead,'' Woods said.

"I was very happy I found the rhythm of the round by the second hole,'' said Woods, who made five birdies and two bogeys. "After I hit that 8-iron in there pin high (on the par-3 second), I felt I've got the rhythm. On 3, I smashed a drive down there and then hit a 2-iron about 265 into the wind, I just hit it on a rope, put it up there on the green. I knew I was back playing again."

The 18-player field at the Hero World Challenge includes  eight of the top 10 players in the world, including #1 ranked Dustin Johnson, who shot 68 and is tied for fourth with Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose and Kevin Chappel. Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler are tied for second at shooting 67, a shot behind Fleetwood.

Tiger Woods stans were happy he was finally back on the course, and even happier when he posted a 69 in the opening round. Check out some of the reactions to Tiger's return below.