Back-to-back birdies lifted Tiger Woods into a share of the lead Thursday afternoon as the 14-time major champion approached the end of his first round at the Masters.
Woods, 43, looked in fine form over the front nine, with his driving a notable strength, but some sloppy putting from short range ensured he was only 1 under at the turn.
However, he remained patient — a virtue at Augusta National — and got things going on the greens on the back nine to join clubhouse leader Justin Harding and playing partner Jon Rahm at 3 under.
A fantastic lag putt from over 50 feet set up a birdie for Woods at the par-5 13th hole after he had reached the green in two.
Woods made a rare error off the tee on the next hole, but a fine recovery shot followed and he duly rolled in a lengthy birdie putt.
The time is 15:14 local time.
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 11, 2019
And @TigerWoods is co-leading at #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/M55ZBYHX90
With the par-5 15th still to come, Woods looked well-placed to end Day 1 near the top of the leaderboard, although many of his rivals were still in the early stages of their opening rounds.