Tiger Woods teed off at Augusta National for the first time in three years on Thursday, setting off in search of his 15th major title in a Masters that promises to be a classic. The 42-year-old, who calls himself a walking miracle less than 12 months after spinal fusion surgery, has astonished in his latest return from injury, a pair of top-five finishes on the PGA Tour fueling expectations that he can resume his pursuit of Jack Nickluas's all-time record of 18 major wins.
With an expectant gallery looking on, Woods hit his tee shot at the par-four first left into the pine straw but emerged with an opening par.
In sunny, chilly morning weather, 2000 Masters champion Vijay Singh of Fiji set the early pace with three birdies in his first four holes. Six-time champion Nicklaus and three-time winner Gary Player officially launched the proceedings with the ceremonial opening shots.
Austin Cook, playing in the first group, nabbed the first birdie of the tournament at the first, but promptly gave that shot back at the second. Woods, making his first major start since missing the cut at the 2015 PGA Championship, teed off alongside Australian Marc Leishman and England's Tommy Fleetwood.