Tiger Woods equalled Gary Player and Fred Couples’ record for consecutive cuts made at the Masters as he squeezed into the final two rounds for the 23rd time of asking. But it was not comfortable.
The conditions were wintery but the reception was warm as the five-time Masters winner trudged onto the 18th green before he closed with a bogey, to make it back-to-back dropped shots to finish round two on three-over – outside the cut at the time.
Tiger returned to the 12th hole after the overnight suspension and threw darts at the 12th and 13th holes but unfortunately for him, his putter had not yet warmed up.
A mid-range birdie effort on 15 having hit the flag with his approach drew a roar from the patrons as Woods moved inside the cut line at one-over. His driver betrayed him coming down the stretch, carving one right on 17 and dragging left on 18 leading to consecutive closing bogeys for a 73 to leave him sweating over his participation in the tournament.
“At 12, yeah, it was a good shot. It was 145. We knew the number,” explained Woods. “Joe went up and got it yesterday, which was good. We hit it a few times on the range and felt comfortable over it. I hit a good shot. Then I hit just a terrible putt. I pulled it.
“15, at least it didn’t go in the water this time when it hit the flag. So that was nice. Made a good putt there and then just didn’t finish very well.”
No sooner had he signed his card the cut edged out to plus three after a late bogey from Justin Thomas, meaning the fifteen-time major champion would be here for the long haul.
“I’ve always loved this golf course, and I love playing this event. Obviously I’ve missed a couple with some injuries, but I’ve always wanted to play here. I’ve loved it.
“I hope I get a chance to play this weekend. I’m sorry. I got a chance to play on the weekend. I wish I get a chance to play two more rounds,” said Woods who was unaware of his standing when speaking to the media.
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