Tiger Woods Hits a Stunning Shank on 18th Hole in 1-Over-Par Opening Round at Genesis Invitational

Making his first official start since last year's Masters, the Hall of Famer had five birdies and six bogeys at Riviera.

Tiger Woods had his share of ups and downs Thursday at Riviera Country Club, which would be expected given his rust. This week's Genesis Invitational is Woods's first PGA Tour start since last year's Masters.

But no one could have imagined his second shot at the iconic par-4 18th at Riviera, a stone-cold shank from the fairway that he said was a result of late-round back spasms.

No one is immune to the dreaded shank.

Not even Tiger Woods. pic.twitter.com/6qJQY1W5yU

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 15, 2024

The dead-right shot traveled 71 yards and settled behind a tree, forcing Woods to attempt a tough 100-yard recovery for his third. As he so often has in his Hall of Fame career, Woods reached the green with the recovery. 

"My back spasmed the last three holes, just locked up on me," Woods said after the round, adding that on the approach at 18 he "didn't move, didn't rotate ... hosel first."

The ensuing 15-foot par putt missed, however, giving him a final bogey and a round of 1-over-par 72. He had five birdies and six bogeys on the day. 

Tiger Woods's 18th-hole shank ended up here; he made it to the green with the next shot but missed the par putt.  :: Michael Owens/Getty Images

Gary Woodland shot 1 under and was the low man in the group, as Justin Thomas also shot 1 over along with Woods.

Woods met with media Wednesday at Riviera and expressed optimism around a pain-free ankle but still said "we would have our work cut out for us" in his first event of 2024. The Los Angeles-area native has never won at Riviera Country Club.