Watch: Tiger Woods' driver swing on every hole of the Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods returned with a flourish after serving as a spectator for the last 15 months due to multiple back surgeries.

Woods recorded four birdies in a six-hole stretch to sit at 3-under-par 33 after nine holes at the Hero World Challenge, a tournament that benefits his foundation at Albany Country Club in Nassau, Bahamas.

The 14-time major championship winner made a statement from the start, sending his tee shot past that of Patrick Reed to begin the 18-player, no-cut tournament. Woods rolled his birdie putt just wide and settled for par on the opening hole.

Woods parred the second hole before making an all-too-familiar charge up the leaderboard, where he sits behind fellow American and leader J.B. Holmes (6-under). The 40-year-old Woods recorded birdies on Nos. 3 and 6-8 before a poor tee shot and a failed chip led to his bogey on the par-5 ninth hole.

Woods last played at the Wyndham Championship in August 2015. He attempted to make a comeback in October at the Safeway Open, but pulled out before the event began, citing health concerns.