AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) – A howling gust — the type that has wreaked havoc at Augusta Nationwide all day — hit the 18th inexperienced simply as Tiger Woods lined up yet one more unattempted putt. High-quality particles of sand stirred from the pearly white bunkers, skimming over the slippery inexperienced floor.
A caddy's hat was blown up. Woods turned shortly, avoiding the doubtless painful daggers in his eyes.
Don't fear.
It was only a breather on the way in which to a different piece of Masters historical past on Friday.
When the blast subsided sufficient to indicate once more, Woods holed a 5-foot putt to cowl a par of 72 that ensured he made the lower for the 24th time in a row.
After all, his aim was set on a a lot greater aim – a report sixth inexperienced jacket.
Woods surpassed the mark he shared with three-time champion Gary Participant, who superior to the weekend 23 instances in a row beginning in 1959, and 1992 winner Fred Couples, whose streak lasted till 2007.
“I'm right here. I’ve an opportunity to win the golf event,” stated Woods, who was 1-over 145 by way of 36 holes and 7 photographs off the lead. “I put in my two rounds. I simply want meals and a few caffeine and I'll be good to go.”
It was a grueling day for the five-time Masters champion, much more so contemplating the 48-year-old has endured quite a few accidents, numerous surgical procedures and a devastating automotive wreck that almost value him his proper leg.
Woods returned to the course earlier than dawn to complete the ultimate 5 holes of the opening spherical, which was interrupted by darkness after Thursday morning's storms delayed the beginning of the event by 2 half hours.
He made a few bogeys to complete with a 73, then had lower than an hour to relaxation for an additional 18 holes.
Remarkably, he performed only one gap shy of his aggressive whole on Friday for the primary three months of the 12 months, his patched-up physique not ready to deal with an everyday schedule of occasions.
Even with such restricted coaching, there's one thing about Augusta Nationwide that all the time brings out one of the best in Woods.
“Sure, I'm drained. I've been out for some time, competing, grinding. It was 23 lengthy holes, a protracted day,” he admitted. “However Lance (Bennett, his caddy) and I battled very well immediately and we’ve an opportunity.”
Stewart Hagestad, an newbie who missed the lower, marveled at Woods' efficiency.
“The man barely performed in any respect the final calendar 12 months and completed No. 1,” Hagestad stated. “That is alien stuff. It's unimaginable.”
With the group across the 18th inexperienced roaring prefer it was a Sunday, Woods' steely demeanor was an enormous smile as quickly because the spherical was over. He hugged enjoying companion Jason Day and gave Bennett one other huge hug earlier than a triumphant stroll to the clubhouse, patrons lining the ropes 4 and 5 deep to applaud his effort.
“It was superior,” stated Max Homa, who accomplished the three-way group with Woods and Day. “I've all the time needed to see him hit irons round right here and I used to be proper subsequent to him. It was actually cool. His quick recreation was so good. I don't assume I can clarify how good a number of the chip photographs he hit immediately have been.”
Homa, tied with Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler at 6-under 138, was comfortable to cede the highlight to Woods.
“It's particular,” Homa stated. “I had a very fast turnaround and if I used to be feeling drained and terrible, I think about he felt even worse.”
Homa was equally impressed with the way in which Woods saved his cool on the 18th inexperienced when the sand flew in gusts approaching 40 mph for the second day in a row.
“I had sand for 45 seconds and I turned 5 instances so I wouldn't get squashed within the face and he's standing there like a statue after which I poured him proper within the center,” Homa stated. “All of the clichés you hear about him and all of the outdated tales about how he's going to grind it out, it was enjoyable to see that in individual.”
Woods was as correct as he's ever been off the tee as a Masters professional, hitting 25 of 28 fairways within the first two rounds. However one unflinching method shot after one other left him struggling.
Happily for Woods, he knew the place to overlook and continued to chip in and clutch putts to maintain his rating safely above the lower line, which reached 6 over.
“I used to be pressured to go up a few instances immediately and I used to be ready to do this,” Woods stated. “Plenty of these chip photographs I used to be capable of hit up and down as a result of I left them within the good spot, and that's understanding find out how to play this golf course.”
Woods went by way of a stretch of six straight holes earlier than the flip the place he made nothing however birdies or bogeys, however he settled issues down a bit on the again 9 with a single bogey at 14 – the place his method from 150 yards sailed within the gallery. behind the inexperienced – and a two-putt birdie on the par-5 15th after clearing the pond with a booming two photographs.
Woods headed into the weekend going through a frightening deficit, needing a comeback of near-record proportions to win the event. Jack Burke Jr. had the best 36-hole rally, coming from eight photographs again to win the 1956 Masters.
Although historical past is in opposition to him, Woods nonetheless believes he has a shot at matching Jack Nicklaus' report of half a dozen titles.
“I'm proper there,” Woods stated. “I don't assume anybody goes to run and conceal now.”
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