Tiger Woods in position to win after second-round 68 at Hero World Challenge

Steve DiMeglio | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Tiger Woods has his swagger back SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Steve DiMeglio breaks down Tiger Woods' second-round performance at the Hero World Challenge.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Well, he is Tiger Woods.

Against long odds, facing some of the best players in the world and coming just seven months after spinal fusion surgery to his lower back, the former world No. 1 and winner of 14 majors and 79 PGA Tour titles put himself in position Friday to actually win for the first time since 2013.

Making his first start in 10 months and just his fourth in two years, Tiger roared in the second round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course. Calling on all his powers that made him the best player of his generation — eye-opening power, on-point iron play, short-game magic — he electrified those in attendance on this island paradise and roused fans the world over with a 5-under-par 31 on the front nine to grab a share of the lead.

While he staggered a bit coming home, he finished the day with a 4-under-par 68 and, coupled with his opening-round 69, is at 7 under through 36 holes and in a tie for fifth. He is five shots behind pace-setter Charley Hoffman, who made 12 birdies and shot 63 to move to 12 under through 36 holes.

More: Tiger motivated by his kids in latest return

While few expected to see Woods on the first page of the leaderboard, including Woods himself, the prospects of the world No. 1,199 have improved immensely. Especially with his speed and power back, his putter working well, his body feeling fine, and his confidence on the rise.

“I think everyone was hoping for the best, but yes, this is better than what we thought would happen,” said Joe LaCava, Woods’ caddie. “Honestly, I didn’t think he could win, but now, you certainly think there is a shot.”

Woods is thinking the same way.

“I didn't know what to expect because I hadn't played, I hadn't competed, I haven't had a fused back before in my life,” said Woods, who turns 42 on Dec. 30. “These are all new things. As you can see that even with the fused back, I still have some speed out there and these are all things I've had to learn and will continue to learn. This is a new body that I'm getting used to. This is not something that just happens overnight. I've learned a lot of things since my surgeon said go ahead and start swinging full. Still, there's a lot more to learn.

“ … But I think I'm still in it. We've got two more days and I think it's supposed to blow a little harder tomorrow. If that's the case, I think a good solid round should get me up in there.”

A special round was in the making on Friday. He made a birdie from 4 feet on the first, from 8 feet on the third, from 4 feet on the fourth. After a massive drive on the ninth, Woods rifled a 3-wood from 275 yards to 18 feet and canned the putt for eagle. It was his first eagle since the second round of the Wyndham Championship in August of 2015.

As he made the turn, his name hit the top of the leaderboard. He stayed there after a birdie on the 11th but a 3-putt bogey on the 12th knocked him off that perch. While he had his chances, he didn’t make another birdie and finished with a bogey after a poor drive.

“I went out there and shot 31 on the front nine. I built upon what I did yesterday, I cleaned it up,’ Woods said. “Only thing I really struggled with today was the speed of the greens. I really did struggle getting the speed and I blew most of them well past the hole and made a few coming back. I also missed my share, too.”

While Woods made a comeback on this same property in the same tournament last year, this time looks different. Sounds different. Feels different. And among those excited to see what has transpired are his fellow competitors.

“It's awesome to see him playing some solid golf,” said Patrick Reed, who moved into a tie for 10th with a 66. “The difference between last year and this year is he just looks so much better, so much healthier and freer in the golf swing. So to see Tiger go out and play well doesn't surprise me.

“When that guy's healthy, everyone knows what that guy can do.”