Tiger posts 1-under 35 on front 9 of Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods is back and playing well in his return to work at the Hero World Challenge.

After 300 days away from golf, Woods' opening tee shot Thursday found the fairway at No. 1, knocking it 30 yards further than playing partner Justin Thomas. The 14-time major hit his approach to 15 feet and made a routine par.

After another two-putt par at the par-3 second, Woods nailed a 260-yard approach with 2-iron onto the green, setting up an easy two-putt birdie at the par-5 third. The trimmed stroke moved Woods into red numbers for the first time in 308 days.

The first sign of adversity for the 41-year-old came one hole later, when he flubbed his chip from just off the green, leaving a 20-foot par attempt. Woods drained the par-saving putt, then unleashed his signature fist pump for the first time.

Following pars at Nos. 6 and 7, the 14-time major champ shaved another shot by draining a 30-foot bomb at No. 8, but encountered his first hiccup of the round with a bogey at the ninth.

Woods posted a 1-under-par 35, and trails Tommy Fleetwood by three shots.