Who is leading the 2023 Hero World Challenge after Round 1? Day 1 leaderboard explored

Modified Dec 01, 2023 05:01 GMT

Bahamas Hero World Challenge Golf — Brian Harman during the first round of Hero World Challenge

Brian Harman and Tony Finau shot 5-under 67 in the first round of the Hero World Challenge, securing a joint single-stroke lead over Jordan Spieth by the end of the day.

While all eyes were on Tiger Woods' long-awaited return, it was Harman and Finau who stole the show at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas on the first day. Harman sank six birdies, including three back-to-back on holes 13–15. He would have held the solo lead if he hadn't missed the 24-foot putt on the par-4 18th.

Despite his struggles this year, Finau started strong with two birdies in the first three holes and finished the front nine at 2-under. After a bogey on the par-4 10th, he rebounded with four birdies in the next five holes.

Jordan Spieth had a bizarre day at Albany, as he carded a 4-under 68 despite making only five pars in his first round. He sank an eagle on the third and a birdie on the fifth, but then faced a setback, making a double on the par-5 sixth. Overall, his round included a couple of eagles, six birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey.

Woods made his return to the PGA Tour after a seven-month hiatus, following subtalar fusion surgery. He appeared to be walking fine, and there were glimpses of his vintage game. However, it was evident that he would need a few more rounds to regain his top form.

The 15-time major champion started well at the Hero World Challenge with a birdie on the third hole but followed it with a bogey on the next. He repeated the same on the following two holes. After 14 holes, he stood at 1-under with two more birdies and a bogey on the back nine.

However, on the par-5 15th, Woods' tee shot landed near a bush, leaving hardly any space to take a shot. Despite the challenging situation, he opted to go for the shot instead of choosing the unplayable option, managing to move the ball just a few inches ahead.

The five-time Hero World Challenge champion needed four more shots to put the ball in, settling for a double bogey. Two additional bogeys on the 16th and 17th resulted in him finishing with a 3-over 75, placing him eight strokes behind the leader.

Will Zalatoris, who is also returning after a long time, shot 9-over 81 on Thursday and was in the last position by the end of the first day.