Tiger Woods Draws Mixed Reviews from Golf Fans in 1st Round of Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods shot a one-over 72 on Thursday at the Genesis Invitational, marking the first time the 15-time major winner had played on the PGA Tour since April.

It was an up-and-down day from Woods, but that wasn't a surprise from the 48-year-old, who was forced to withdraw from the Masters during the third round last spring following a reaggravation of his plantar fasciitis.

He underwent fusion surgery on April 19 and didn't play in a competitive tournament again until the Hero World Challenge in December.

Now Woods has made his way back on the golf course at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

Woods finished with five birdies and six bogeys. He was good enough off the tee, although he amassed negative strokes gained on the approach, around the green and putting.

Highlights included a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-five 11th, a tremendous flop shot to save par on the 13th and reaching the par-five 17th in two.

Lowlights included a rough back nine (two over), capped by a tough shank on the 18th. Woods said post-round that he was suffering from back spasms over the last few holes.

Woods did manage to salvage a bogey after getting himself out of trouble:

Ultimately, Thursday was a mixed bag for Woods, but given his extended layoff due to injury, it wasn't a bad afternoon whatsoever either.

Now Woods moves to the second round. He'll tee off with Gary Woodland and Justin Thomas at 2:54 p.m. ET.