Woods in contention at Bay Hill after 4-under 68 in opening round

Tiger Woods was up to his old tricks at one of his favorite courses Thursday, carding a 4-under 68 at Bay Hill in the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Opening with a mistake-free front-9, Woods ran into trouble on 12, as two wayward tee shots forced him to settle for a double bogey. However, Woods managed three birdies in the next six holes, including an incredible 71-foot lag putt that sent his supporters into a frenzy.

Woods has won the event eight times, and entered this year's field as the favorite to take home the title once again.

He tees off Friday alongside Jason Day and Hideki Matsyuama at 1:08 p.m. ET.