Hoffman leads, but Tiger left smiling again

Tiger Woods was able to improve on yesterday's comeback round at the Hero World Challenge with an even better score on Friday.
Woods added a four-under-par 68 to his opening 69 to lie in joint-fifth place on seven under par in the 18-man field.
That's no mean feat considering the field features five of the top six players in the world – Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama and Justin Rose.
Woods equalled or bettered the performance of all but two of those golfing luminaries through 36 holes, suggesting his comeback could be more than a flash in the pan.
The 14-time major champion was superb on the front nine, making three birdies in his first four holes to grab a share of the lead, and looking rock-solid from tee to green.
Tiger trails.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/TkhkMqGkM4
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2017
A superb eagle at the par-5 ninth briefly lifted Woods into the solo lead, and another birdie followed at the 11th.
The eagle was vintage Tiger – a pure drive into the heart of the fairway and a towering fairway wood from 271 yards to leave himself 20 yards for the eagle, which he duly sunk.
ICYMI:@TigerWoods eagled No. 9 to take the lead at the Hero World Challenge.
And it was a thing of beauty. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/CPvIk46tTu
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2017
Woods was flying at that stage, six under through 11 holes, but he would bogey the 12th after three-putting from 25 feet, and then dropped another shot at the last after a wayward drive to sign for a 68.
Round 2 is in the books. @TigerWoods opens with rounds of 69-68 in his return to competitive golf.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/0e2nLWUX3i
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2017
Nevertheless, few would have predicted opening rounds of 69 and 68 from Woods this week, and he has every reason to be pleased with his efforts.
Asked what he'd proved with his performance on Friday, Woods said: “I proved that the surgery was successful,” in reference to the spinal fusion he had in April.
"Now I have a chance to go out there and play competitive golf again."
The day belonged to Charley Hoffman, however, who shot the round of the tournament so far – a stunning nine-under-par 63 that rocketed him to the top of the leaderboard on 12 under. He closed with five straight birdies to separate himself from the rest of the field.
What touch.
Charley Hoffman makes his fourth birdie in a row to take a two-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/8XbDbtcjes
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2017
Hoffman is a full three strokes clear of his nearest challengers – Jordan Spieth, who added a 67 to an opening 68, and overnight leader Tommy Fleetwood, who went round in 69.
Another in-form Englishman, Justin Rose, follows on eight under in solo fourth after successive rounds of 68.
Woods follows a further shot back on seven under alongside Hideki Matsuyama (66), Francesco Molinari (68), Matt Kuchar (70) and Rickie Fowler (70).
Justin Thomas lies on five under after rounds of 69 and 70, while Dustin Johnson is a further shot back after a 72.
Latest
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.
-
News
European Tour preparing for business as planned in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is due to start next week.