Tiger takes another big step

Corey Conners knew Tiger Woods had finished his second round at Innisbrook because he couldn’t see him. He was only about 50 yards from the ninth green, but there were too many fans covering every inch of grass, packed in a dozen deep because of Woods.

Woods brought the Valspar Championship to life Friday with his best round of a comeback that is building momentum toward the Masters.

Conners was happy to play a quiet round in the afternoon and wind up with the lead.

The Canadian rookie ran off three birdies before a careless error set him back, and he finished with a 2-under 69 for a two-shot lead going into the weekend. Right on his heels was Woods, who kept a clean card until his final hole and shot 68.

Conners was on the putting green when Woods and his entourage — officials, security, media and stragglers — walked along the edge of the green, in front of another group waiting to tee off on No. 1 and toward the scoring area.

“I definitely saw that,” Conners said. “I’ve seen that the last few days as well. Pretty cool. Hopefully, I can be in a position where I get some followers Sunday.”

INDIAN OPEN: Emiliano Grillo took a four-stroke lead in New Delhi after shooting 4-under 68.

The Argentine had five birdies and a bogey, lowering his total to 11-under 133 for the tournament.

Shubhankar Sharma, who three days ago received a special invitation to play at the Masters, made a charge with an 8-under 64 — the best round of the day. He had nine birdies, including six on the last nine holes.

Pablo Larrazabal (71) and Andrew Johnston (66) were tied for third at 6 under, one stroke behind Sharma.

Sam Greenwood / Getty Images Tiger Woods plays his second shot on the ninth hole during the second round of the Valspar Championship Friday at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, Fla.