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Tiger Woods walked 18 holes for the first time since the PGA Championship, swinging well in a Wednesday pro-am event ahead of his competitive return at the Hero World Challenge.
Woods, making his return this week after a four-month back injury layoff, made three birdies with a lone bogey, missing four fairways and two greens at Isleworth in the first hint of the form golf fans can expect from him in 2015.
“I’m starting to get my power back, starting to get my speed back,” Woods said.
“That has been nice.”
The 14-time major champion, chasing the career record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, said he needed the workout more than usual because he had not walked an entire layout since last August, when he missed the cut at the PGA Championship.
“It felt good to be out there,” Woods said. “I felt like I really needed today. It was a nice little indicator.”
Woods, who turns 39 later this month, will tee off alongside Australian Jason Day, who is also returning from a back injury at the 18-player event.
The $US3.5 million ($A3.8 million) unofficial tournament that starts on Thursday benefits Woods’ charity foundation.
Former world No.1 Woods, who stands 24th in this week’s rankings, looked in solid shape in his tune-up round, swinging well without the obvious back pain that had hindered his efforts in much of his injury-trimmed 2014 campaign.
He was joined by new swing consultant Chris Como, hired by Woods last month after a split with swing coach Sean Foley in August.
Woods has lost the aura of invincibility he once owned but remains a respected foe when healthy and comfortable with his swing as he was Wednesday.
Defending Challenge champion Zach Johnson has seen only a handful of shots from Woods but is happy to have him back in the field.
“It looked great to me,” Johnson said.
“I’m glad he’s playing.”
Johnson defeated Woods in a playoff last year, the last time Woods has cracked the top 10 in a tournament.
“That’s strange,” Johnson said.
“You’re talking about the best player I’ve ever witnessed. It’s really, really strange. I’d be interested to see what he does this week.”