Tiger Woods: Return a success regardless of outcome at Hero World Challenge

Returning 14-time major champion Tiger Woods said his comeback has been a success, despite falling out of contention at the Hero World Challenge.

Hopes of a memorable victory at Woods’ comeback event in the Bahamas were dashed when the legendary American dropped from a share of fifth position to joint 10th, 10 shots behind leader Charley Hoffman Saturday.

There were doubts Woods would ever return to the PGA Tour due to ongoing back problems and a fourth operation but the 41-year-old made it back to his first tournament in 10 months, daring to dream following rounds of 69 and 68 at the Albany Golf Course.

Woods was unable to maintain his charge on day three following a three-over-par 75, which included five bogeys from his opening 10 holes, though arguably golf’s greatest player is pleased with his showing, regardless of the outcome.

That close to a birdie-birdie finish.

A 75 for @TigerWoods in Round 3. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/dXTTCuzmXg

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 2, 2017

“It’s nice to be part of the fight again … getting out there and fighting against the golf course, fighting against the guys, that’s fun,” Woods said.

“I just haven’t done it a whole lot in the last few years. I liked it. I like to be able to fight out there. Unfortunately I just couldn’t get it turned around.”

Woods added: “I’m very happy, very happy that I’ve hit the ball as well as I have, the feel of my putter, overall shaping of shots and just trying to put together a round.

“As I told you guys at the beginning of the week, I haven’t had a scorecard in my hand in a while. So overall I’m very happy with what’s going on this week.

“There were a lot of questions that I had, I’m sure you guys have had, and I feel like I’ve come out on a good side this week.”