First came an 8-iron to 5 feet for birdie. Then it was the 3-iron to 4 feet for eagle.

He won the first two holes before some rust settled in. Woods made three bogeys over his next five holes and was leading, 1 up, until he birdied the par-5 eighth with a 6-foot putt.

Jones never got any closer.

Woods had not competed since reconstructive surgery on his left knee a week after winning the U.S. Open. It was the third time in five years Woods had surgery on his left knee, adding to the mystery of whether he would be as good as the player who has won 65 times on the PGA Tour, including 14 majors.

“It held up,” he said. “It felt good.”

Cink was surprised to see even a few dozen people in the bleachers when he began his match.

“They got there early and claimed their seats for Tiger,” he said. “Because really, Tiger’s match was the only one that mattered today.”

Woods, as he has done so often in his career, gave the crowd what they came to see.

And even Jones, who appeared to be overwhelmed, got caught up in the commotion.

“As I walked off the first hole, there was just mayhem — media, and everyone was just running,” Jones said.

After Woods birdied the first hole, Jones overhead a reporter say, “Another nine holes to go for 10 and 8.” Jones did his best to make the match last as long as it did. After a lengthy wait on the 315-yard 15th, Woods hit 3-wood onto the green, and the Australian followed with a shot even closer, making eagle. Still, Jones knew his stay at Dove Mountain was not going to be a long one.

“I really wouldn’t be betting against him,” Jones said. “He hit some shots other people can’t hit.”

Next up for Woods is Tim Clark, who beat Retief Goosen. Clark lost to Woods in the second round two years ago, only it wasn’t quite the circus it is now.

NBC's coverage of the WGC Match Play on Saturday and Sunday is from 2-6 p.m. ET.