Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Woods adds to history books
Tiger makes 24th consecutive cut to set the Masters record
AUGUSTA, Ga. — A howling gust — the kind that created havoc at Augusta National all day long — struck the 18th green just as Tiger Woods was lining up yet another testy putt. Fine particles of sand stirred from the pearl-white bunkers, whipping across the slick green surface.
One caddie’s hat was blown off. Woods turned away quickly, avoiding a potentially painful assault on his eyes. Not to worry. It was just a windy respite on the way to another bit of Masters history Friday.
When the breeze subsided just enough to look again, Woods rolled in a 5-foot putt to cap an even-par 72 that ensured he would make the cut for a record 24th time in a row.
Of course, his sights were fixated on a far greater goal — a record-tying sixth green jacket.
Woods broke the cut record he shared with three-time champion Gary Player, who advanced to the weekend 23 straight times beginning in 1959, and 1992 winner Fred Couples, whose own streak lasted until 2007.
“It means I have a chance going into the weekend,” said Woods, who was at 1-over 145 through 36 holes. “I’m here. I have a chance to win the golf tournament. I don’t know if they’re all going to finish today, but I’m done. I got my two rounds in. Just need some food and some caffeine, and I’ll be good to go.”
It was a grueling day for the five-time Masters champion, even more so considering the 48-yearold has endured numerous injuries, countless surgeries and a devastating car wreck that nearly cost him his right leg.
Woods was back at the course before sunrise to finish up the final five holes of his opening round, which was cut short by darkness after storms Thursday morning delayed the start of the tournament by 2 ½ hours.
He made a couple of bogeys to complete a 73, then had less than an hour to rest up for another 18 holes.
Remarkably, he played just one less hole Friday than his competitive total through the first three months of the year, his patched-up body no longer capable to handling a regular schedule of events.
Even with such limited preparation, there’s something about Augusta National that always brings out the best in Woods.
“Yeah, I’m tired. I’ve been out for a while, competing, grinding. It’s been a long 23 holes, a long day,” he conceded. “But Lance (Bennett, his caddie) and I really did some good fighting today, and we’ve got a chance.”
With the crowd around the 18th green roaring like it was a Sunday, Woods’ steely demeanor morphed into a huge smile as soon as the round was done. He hugged playing partner Jason Day, and gave another big squeeze to Bennett before a triumphant stroll to the clubhouse, the patrons lining the ropes four and five deep to applaud his effort.
“It was awesome,” said Max Homa, who rounded out the threesome with Woods and Day. “It really is a dream to get to play with him here.”