Tiger Woods admitted he was inspired by the reception he received from the galleries after making a remarkable return to action with his lowest ever first-round score at the Masters.

Woods, who was making his first appearance for five months following high-profile personal problems, carded a four-under-par 68 at Augusta to finish the first day just two shots off the lead.

"It was unbelievable all day," said the world number one. "I've not heard them cheer this loud in all my years and it helped keep my spirit up in tough conditions."

Meanwhile, Woods admitted he was a little surprised by his own form.

"I'm a little bit (surprised)," he added. "I would have thought a couple under would be a good start. Even though it was windy the golf course could be had today."

He trails first-round leader Fred Couples by two shots after the 50-year-old set the pace with a round of 66.

The 1992 champion leads by one shot from another veteran in 60-year-old Tom Watson, plus Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, YE Yang and KJ Choi.

"I didn't think I would shoot 66 today," said Couples. "I think it's by far the best round I have had here.

"I felt very stiff, the wind was blowing so hard and I felt really tight, but I made a lot of putts.

"We still have to come out tomorrow and play really well on a really hard golf course."