USGolfProTips

• Former world No1 hit opening round of 68 at Spyglass Hill
• Woods currently tied for 15th place, five shots behind lead

The Tiger Woods comeback roadshow gained yet a little more momentum on Thursday as the man formerly known as the greatest player to ever play the game turned in yet another impressive performance in his opening round of the 2012 PGA Tour season.

Two weeks ago the former world No1 finished third in Abu Dhabi against the best European players but won over the vast majority of sceptics with a vast improved swing and succession of great shots. It was similar story at Spyglass Hill, where Woods’ opening 68, four-under par, offered more than a fleeting glimpse of the dominant player he once was. That score left him in a tie for 15th place, five shots behind the leaders.

In a tournament played over three courses — of which Spyglass is traditionally the most difficult — Woods left himself well-placed to chase his first victory in a full-field PGA Tour event for more than two and half years. On Friday he will play at the Monteray Country Club, where the PGA Tour journeyman Charlie Wi shot a nine-under 63 and then on Saturday at Pebble Beach, where US Ryder Cup player Dustin Johnson shot a matching 63 that but for a handful of missed putts might have been much lower.

Woods’ round at Spyglass was only bettered by three players. In other words he had good cause to be happy but — and this is perhaps a sign of his growing self-belief – sounded a little downbeat after his round.

“The lowest score here (at Spyglass) is 66, so 68 isn’t too bad. But with scores the way they are at all the courses, I felt like I had to go even lower. Guys are tearing this place apart with no wind,” he said.

His problem, as it was in Abu Dhabi and as it has been since his return to the sport after personal scandal, was putting. He had 29 putts on Thursday – not awful by the standards of the average professional, but the Tiger Woods of old didn’t dominate the sport in his prime by being an average putter. He will need to improve on the greens.

If he doesn’t then the wait for another PGA Tour victory will be extended and the chase to beat Nickalus’ record of 18 majors will become forlorn.

If the putting does improve, then the Rory McIlroys and Luke Donalds will struggle to assert themselves on the biggest stages because, frankly, Woods at his best plays a brand of golf from tee to green that not even they can match.

Thursday’s round at tight Spyglass course, where he missed only two fairways and found 13 of 18 greens in regulation, was a case in point. Woods made six birdies. He conceded he should have made a few more.

“I drove it great today. I drove it on a string. I had it going both ways. Unfortunately, going into the greens, I was not very good at all. I had some wedges that I hit some awful golf shots. I played actually over par. So I’m going to go work on that,” he said, before adding a more optimistic note: “My ball-striking is night and day compared to what it was (last year). I feel very comfortable because my practice sessions are so much better. I’m able to actually practice, and I’m able to practice for a very long time. That’s where I get a lot of my confidence.”