Photos | Tiger Woods makes his return at Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods waves goodbye to the crowd after finishing his final round at Riviera Country Club on Sunday.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
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Tiger Woods had some explaining to do Friday, about a putter so cold it left him on the verge of missing the cut, and about a chauvinist prank he played on Justin Thomas in the Genesis Invitational.

In his return to elite competition for the first time in seven months, Woods caused quite a buzz in the opening round for all the wrong reasons.

It started when he ripped a 323-yard drive, some 10 yards longer than the 29-year-old Thomas. Walking off the tee, Woods discreetly put something in Thomas’ hand, which Thomas tossed to the ground when he realized what it was — a tampon, to remind Thomas that Woods hit it farther. Woods laughed and put his arm around Thomas.

Woods apologized after his bogey-bogey finish for a 74 in the second round, which left him over the projected cut line.

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He went on to shoot a 73 in the final round on Sunday to finish the tournament at one-under par and tied for 45th.

Tiger Woods lines up his putt on the ninth green in the final round.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods lets go of his club while teeing off on the ninth hole during the final round.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
A group dressed in tiger colored polo shirts line the 11th fairway as Tiger Woods passes by during round two.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods tees off on the 18th hole in front of a large crowd during round two of the Genesis Invitational.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods smiles at Rory McIlroy after McIlroy made a 65 foot chip-in for birdie
Tiger Woods smiles at Rory McIlroy after McIlroy made a 65 foot chip-in for birdie on the 12 hole during round two of the Genesis Invitational.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
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Tiger Woods hits out of sand trap on the 6th green during round two of the Genesis Invitational.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods, left, and Justin Thomas, right, share a laugh while walking with Rory McIlroy
Tiger Woods, left, and Justin Thomas, right, share a laugh while walking with Rory McIlroy on the 13th fairway during round two of the Genesis Invitational.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods hits out of the greenside bunker on the 10th hole during the first round.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods reacts after missing a birdie putt on the seventh hole during the first round.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Tiger Woods acknowledges the crowd after a birdie on 18 to end his first round.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
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Tiger Woods gets a hand shake from his caddy after finishing the first round.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Fans hold signs in support of Tiger Woods
Fans show their support for Woods on the 13th hole.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
 Tiger Woods tees off on the 9th hole.
Woods tees off on the ninth hole.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)