AUGUSTA, Georgia (AFP) — Showing no diminishment of his golf skills despite a five-month layoff and a humiliating sex scandal, Tiger Woods roared into contention at the 74th Masters after a warm welcome back yesterday.

Woods made his best start in 16 Masters appearances, firing a four-under par 68 to break 70 for the first time in an opening round at Augusta National Golf Club, thanks in part to two eagles in a round for the first time at the course.

“It felt just like normal, like every other start, nothing really different,” Woods said. “The course could be had a little more today. Pretty much every hole the (tees) seemed to be up a little bit.”

Bolstered by applause and supportive cheers from spectators throughout his round, Woods took strength from what he called the best support he has ever had at the Masters, where he has won four times.

While Woods is two strokes behind leader Fred Couples after the opening 18 holes of the year’s first major tournament, he answered curiosity about his ability to continue dominating golf after the revelation of his secret affairs.