Spieth shoots 66; Woods wilts
AUGUSTA — Tiger Woods felt the love, but it was Jordan Spieth who heard the roars as he surged to a two-stroke lead in the Masters Thursday with a scintillating six-under par 66.
Woods was back at Augusta National for the first time in three years, finally ready to challenge for a fifth green jacket after spinal fusion surgery last year.
From the practice range to the 18th green, Augusta fans made him more than welcome, although his one-over par 73 gave them few real opportunities to cheer.
“It has been awesome this entire comeback,’’ said Woods, 42. “Seventythree is fine. I could have easily let it slip away. And I fought hard to get it back and I’m back in this championship.’’
That bullish assessment came before Spieth caught fire, stringing together five birdies on the back nine as he seized a two-stroke lead over fellow Americans Matt Kuchar and Tony Finau.