Tiger Woods had endured a torrid - to put it lightly - few years of late.The former world number one had seen his incredible career descend into a near farce as personal issues, as well as injury after injury (after injury), forced Woods into taking a step back from the game he so loves.Having tried on several occasions to reignite his fledgling career only for further injury setbacks to bring any attempted comebacks to a shuddering and painful halt, many were beginning to think that we had seen the last of one of the finest golfers of a generation.However, the 14-time major champion never gave up on his dream to return to professional golf, and it seems that the old Tiger, the one golf fans know and love, (whisper it) might just back in business.Tiger teed up at the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the first time since 2013 on Thursday and came flying out of the blocks, racing to an early share of the lead after draining three birdies in his opening nine.It was his birdie at number seven that fully convinced fans that the old Tiger was back after the 42-year-old holed a staggering putt from 71 feet before brandishing that customary grin that can strike fear into the heart of any opponent.

It has been ages since fans have been able to watch an in-form Woods enjoying his golf so much and it was clear to see that this opening round was everything his fans could have hoped for.

Tiger will have one eye on the upcoming Masters championship at Augusta as he looks to truly cement his comeback by adding major number 15 to his trophy cabinet.

Woods’ is still on the hunt to be the greatest of all time and Jack Nicklaus record of 18 majors could be in danger once again.

If Woods manages to add to his incredible eight Arnold Palmer titles this weekend, golf fans might just lose the plot completely.