Golf

WINDERMERE, Fla. — Tiger Woods swung freely and easily during the pro-am at the Hero World Challenge at Isleworth on Wednesday, his first time walking 18 holes since he missed the cut Aug. 9 at the PGA Championship.

“It felt good to be out there,” Woods said. “I took that much time off right after the PGA and built up my body and made a few adjustments on my swing and hit some good shots today.”

The real test is today in the first round of an unofficial event with 18 elite players from the top 50 in the world, and one big buzz because of the tournament host. Woods, ranked No. 24 in the world, has called the course home for 16 years.

The field is missing the new No. 1 — Rory McIlroy — along with Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia, who rarely play.

Zach Johnson beat Woods in a playoff last year at Sherwood Country Club in California, where the tournament used to be played.

“As a fan of the game and a guy that admires what he’s done, I would be interested to see what he does this week,” Johnson said of Woods. “Just glad he’s playing, and I hope he’s healthy. That’s the main thing.”

This is the fifth time in five years Woods has returned from an injury, and the second time this year. He came back too early from back surgery in June and missed two cuts in the three events he played.

Steve Stricker saw him briefly on the practice range earlier in the week and felt as though he was looking back in time.

“Looks a lot similar to early 2000s to me, from the side when I was watching,” Stricker said.