"I saw a lot of balls go to the right, then I started to fix it on the back nine," said the American.
The 14-time major winner sprayed his drives, under-hit several approaches and was frustrated after mis-hitting a couple of chip shots from just off the green at the TPC in Scottsdale.
He recorded four bogeys and a double-bogey in his first 11 holes, but the highlight of his round was an eagle at the par-five 13th where he struck a four iron from 226 yards to within a foot of the pin.
"It was just about trying to be so committed to the swing change and do it," added Woods, who has been working with new consultant Chris Como.
"I just need tournament rounds like this where I can fight, fight through it, turn it around, grind through it and make adjustments on the fly."
Major champions Keegan Bradley and Bubba Watson share second place at six under. They were joined by Daniel Berger, who completed 16 holes of round one before the light faded and play was suspended. Scotland's Martin Laird fired a five-under 66 to be the highest placed non-American, at tied fifth.
Welshman Jamie Donaldson is two shots further back after a three-under-par 69.
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