By Andrew Gourdie
Sitting a lowly 112th in the fed-ex cup rankings, Tiger Woods found himself in an unusual position at the Barclays Tournament - teeing off first for the first time in his entire career.
But just days after finalising his divorce from wife Elin, there were early signs that Woods has hit rock bottom and he's on the way up
Suddenly the world's best golfer was finally starting to play like it, and it was a very different Woods speaking to media after his opening round 65.
“It felt good actually!” said Woods. “The greens were perfect.”
Since details of Woods affairs went public in November last year, the world number one took a break from golf to focus on his private life.
However, he was a shadow of his former self when he returned to the game in April.
As late as yesterday he admitted golf was not his priority.
“It’s a sad time and we’re going through it right now and as far as my game and practising – that’s been secondary,” he explained.
But with the divorce now final, Woods instantly returned to form - seven birdies giving him a share of the lead with Vaughn Taylor.
After failing to qualify automatically for the US Ryder Cup team, Woods knows victory this weekend would make him all but a certainty to be one of captain Corey Pavin's wildcard picks early next month.
3 News