Tiger Woods claimed just returning to 'electric' Augusta was a victory after getting in the hunt for a sixth Masters title.
Playing in his first PGA Tour event since his high-speed car crash in February 2021, the American superstar shot an opening 71 to sit four shots off the clubhouse lead in his latest incredible comeback. The 15-time major champion, who was followed by huge crowds, insisted before the start he was back to win on Sunday.
But Woods, now 46, said being able to compete in his first event since the 2020 Masters was like a victory after nearly losing his right leg. "If you would have seen how my leg looked to where it's at now, some of the guys know," Woods said.
"They've seen the pictures, and they've come over to the house and they've seen it. To see where I've been, to get from there to here, it was no easy task. I am as sore as I expected to feel. Like I was telling the team all week, come game time, it will be a different deal.
"My adrenaline will kick in. I'll get into my own little world, and I'll get after it. It's about the training that we've done to have the stamina to go."
Heading into day two, Woods trails leader Sungae Im by four shots and Cameron Smith by three shots with 2016 champion Danny Willett in a group a stroke back after his opening 69.
The American superstar added: "There is a long way to go, it is a marathon but it is nice to get off to a positive start. I was able to finish up in the red. I'm only three back. I'm right where I need to be. This golf course is going to change, and it's going to get a lot more difficult.
"I know how to play golf and how to play this golf course. I'm very lucky to have this opportunity to be able to play, and not only that, to play in the Masters and to have this type of reception.
"The place was electric. I hadn't played like this since '19 when I won because in '20 we had Covid and we had no one here, and I didn't play last year. So to have the patrons fully out and to have that type of energy out there was awesome to feel."
Woods added: "People have no idea how hard it's been. My team does. They've worked with me every single day. We haven't taken a day off since I got out of the bed after those three months."
Woods had the Masters patrons transfixed throughout his opening round on Thursday, and nearly returned in the most magical way possible by almost sealing an ace on the par-3 sixth.
On the 180-yard par-3, the 15-time major winner almost send the patrons into raptures, landing his six-iron approach just inches short of the hole.
It was the easiest of tap-in birdies for the golfing icon, and he allayed any fears that he may struggle around the iconic Augusta National over the week.
His opening day's play certainly suggested there is more to come tomorrow, and every golf fan will be desperate to see him make the cut and return for the weekend's action.
