Rejuvenated Jordan Spieth sets the pace in LA with first round 64

From tee to green, Tiger Woods could hardly have played any better than he did during a marathon day at the Genesis Open. On the greens, however, the Riviera riddle goes on.

This is the biggest event in golf that the hometown boy has still to win – and he won’t be finally adding this title to his incredible c.v this week unless he can solve the puzzle of the severely sloping greens.

Indeed, Woods and his playing partner Rory McIlroy appeared to be in a personal contest to see who could endure the most frustrating day on the greens. 

Jordan Spieth stole the show with an eye-catching first round 64 at the Genesis Open

Woods had four three putts in his first round 70 – and that’s only happened twice before in 1,252 career rounds on the PGA Tour. McIlroy missed any number of putts under 10ft and needed no fewer than 35 putts in all – one more than Tiger – in his disappointing 72.

After a short break, the pair went straight back out to start their second rounds, where they finally gave the hardy thousands who braved the intemperate weather something to shout about. McIlroy had three birdies in his first five holes after lunch, while Tiger had two of his own.

Both, however, were put in the shade by Justin Thomas, the third member of the group. His putting was so good it was as if he was holing not only his own share but that of the other two as well.

Thomas moved serenely to eight under par for the event at the halfway stage of his second round to move alongside revitalised Australian Adam Scott at the top. McIlroy was on two under and Woods on one under.

Earlier, top honours as the first round mercifully came to a close after taking a day and a half to complete went to Americans JB Holmes, who had a hole in one in a fabulous 63, and Jordan Spieth, who carded a 64. Paul Casey and Tommy Fleetwood both shot 70. 

 His opening tee shot was a wild hook that ended in an unplayable lie on Thursday morning