By Tom Mison

Former world number one Tiger Woods made his long awaited comeback to golf last weekend at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

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Although Woods finished third from last in the event, his return was about more than the final placings, as we started to see a shadow of the man who had once spent 683 consecutive weeks as the best ranked golfer in the world.

On the brink of retirement a year ago due to injury, Woods proved to himself, and the world, that he can still compete at the highest level. Coming through four rounds of golf at a competitive level without having to withdraw due to injury was a bonus in itself for Woods, who, over the past year, had multiple back surgeries.

Of course, finishing with six double-bogeys and eight bogeys overall are things that Woods needs to work on as he continues his revival. However, he scored 24 birdies over the course, two more than anyone else. There was also a change in the way Woods was swinging the club. It was more subtle and smooth, as a pose to the fierce lash he used to use in an attempt to get maximum distance out of his ball.

At the end of day two, Woods was just two shots off the lead. However after spending 16 months out of the competitive game, his fitness and focus naturally tired. If Woods can use the momentum gained from his performance in the Hero World Challenge and take it forward, there is no reason why he can’t make a real stamp on the PGA Tour in the coming months. It certainly seems that this beast is back on the prowl.