Tiger Woods avoided disaster in the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Championship, which is perhaps the best way he could have started in the Middle East. 

After a seven-week offseason, the last thing Tiger needed was to kick-off the tournament with poor play. He shot a 70 and trails Rory McIlroy and Robert Karlsson by three strokes. 

Only making two birdies, Tiger still has reason to smile because he had a bogey-free day, which will keep his confidence strong. Of course, his score could have been much better, but once again he had a hard time putting. 

Tiger told the Associated Press that the putting greens prevented him from a great day.