Tiger Woods made a blistering return to form in The Barclays just days after finalising a divorce that threatened to sidetrack his career.
Woods shot a six-under par 65 on day one of the multimillion dollar FedEx Cup playoff event at Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey on Thursday, giving him a share of the clubhouse lead with fellow American Vaughn Taylor.
After a 7.10am tee-off time consummate to his lowly FedEx ranking of 112th, Woods sizzled through a quick-fire opening round consisting of seven birdies and just one bogey.
The world No.1 has suffered a nightmare year on and off the course after a string of sex scandal revelations tarnished his reputation and ruined his marriage.
Woods recorded the worst round of his professional career at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational earlier this month, but after finalising a divorce with fomer wife Elin Nordregren this week, the 14-time major champion made a triumphant return to form.
"Playing early was an advantage because the greens were perfect," Woods said.
"And I hit some really good shots. It is exciting to be able to hit the ball flush again. I can control it and I can shape it left or right. I know where my shots are going, and you know, that helps just a little bit."
Woods, who has been working extensively this month with swing coach Sean Foley, is bracing himself for another lengthy period of time on the range rebuilding his rusty swing.
"I need to wrap my head around having a commitment level going forward with this new change," he said.
"It would be my fourth swing change since I've been on the tour. And I know change takes time."
"I'm going to work on it some more this afternoon on the range."
The first round of The Barclays continues on Thursday afternoon.