3 takeaways from Tiger's first 2 rounds in Nassau

Legions of Tiger Woods fans received a rather nice segue into their weekends as he dismissed the doubts of an opening-round 73 with a consistent, fundamentally sound 65 Friday at the Hero World Challenge.

For years, everybody's wondered when - or if - Tiger will compete again. While one round under par in a casual tournament may not exactly be a telltale sign that's he's back in pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' 18 majors, he at least offered a glimmer of hope.

Here are three takeaways from Tiger's 6-under card heading into moving day.

Refined approach

Woods' knack for intimidating his opponents into submission was the key to his success. His drive and will to win were as much mainstays of his game as his booming drives, unthinkable chip-ins, and guaranteed putts he had no business dropping.

Tiger hasn't exactly had a chance to steal the show two rounds into his return, but he's learning to play within his means. Save for a disastrous final four holes on Thursday, it's worked.

He's laid up on par fives, he's putted from off the green, he's even used irons off the tee. No one but Woods knows how good he really feels, but if he keeps putting himself in good positions, he'll always be a threat.

The short game

During Tiger's tumultuous descent, he was riddled with the yips.

He couldn't focus on putts, and uncharacteristically skulled chips across the green. But Woods went bogey-free on Friday, and with the ol' faithful Scotty Cameron back in his hands, he delivered par save after par save - with a couple of birdies in between, of course.

The Albany course is by no means much of a threat with calm conditions, but you still have to hit golf shots to card a 65. Tiger's done that.

He wants it, everybody wants it

Love him or hate him, there's no questioning his impact on the game.

After finally learning his lesson, Tiger was patient with this comeback, though it killed him inside. He missed competing, and it's hard to blame him. No one earns 79 PGA Tour wins with a pedestrian attitude, after all.

It's hardly a meaningful tournament, but with Tiger in the fold - and now in contention - suddenly it's must-see television.

There are still kinks in his game to be worked out, sure, but any positive restoration of Tiger's prominence in the sport should be welcomed by fans.