J.B. Holmes Takes Control As Tiger Woods Shoots 65 At Hero World Challenge

After almost 16 months away from the game, Tiger Woods began his return to competitive golf with a 1-over-73 that saw a large stumble.

J.B. Holmes Takes Control As Tiger Woods Shoots 65 At Hero World Challenge

Woods began his second round as a single at the Hero World Challenge at 11:12 a.m. ET Friday at Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas

A 1-over-73 is pretty much to be expected from the 40-year-old’s return to play after undergoing several back operations. J.B. Holmes, 34, is sitting atop the leader board with an impressive 8-under 64, with Hideki Matsuyama, 24, right behind him at 7-under 65, including a sensational 30 on the back nine.

“It felt good, I was able to feel the round and was pleased how quickly I got into the competitive flow,” he said. “But I let a good round slip away at the end. It could have been something really good. But think about it, I hit it three bushes and had a water ball. I’m looking forward to the next three rounds.”

Hideki had a fantastic day one of the tournament that saw him atop the leaderboard for nine out of 18 holes. He is expected to continue dominating on day two (Frida). American Dustin Johnson is right behind him at 6 under, putting up six birdies and an eagle on Thursday.

Tiger is hosting the tournament and it only features 18 top-ranked golf pros. In addition to Holmes., Hideki and Johnson, this year sees Jordan Spieth, 23, Brooks Koepka, 26, Henrik Stenson, 40, Patrick Reed, 26, Rickie Fowler, 27, Justin Rose, 36, and Bubba Watson, 38, playing.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 02: Tiger Woods of the United States hits his shot on the second tee during round two of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas on December 2, 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)