Happy with return, Tiger promises a fresh chapter

Woods delighted that his body held up after completing his first event since a fusion surgery in his ankle 

- Joy Chakravarty

From spectacular shots to fantastical finishes, Tiger Woods has been there and done everything possible in a career spanning 15 major wins and over 100 international titles.

His achievements are mind-numbing, but he rarely resorts to hyperboles.

So, when he finished 18th in the 20-man Hero World Challenge in Albany with a score of even-par after four days, the last thing you expected from him was to describe his performance as 'ecstatic'.

In fact, the way Woods played, 'ecstatic' would be an understatement.

This tournament, won eventually in imperious fashion by world No.1 Scottie Scheffler at 20-under par, was never going to be about Woods's score, or where he finished.

It was all about how his body reacts to the rigours of four days of competitive golf following the latest addition of two steel screws to fuse his subtalar bones in his right ankle.

That battle was won hands down by the man who turns 48 in less than two weeks. He walked well, rarely limped, and mostly managed to execute the shots he wanted to. Those shots may not have been perfect, but it is evident that he is close.