Tiger Woods says he intends to target Fred Couples as soon as possible after he became the first man in Masters history to make 24 consecutive cuts.
Woods had to work exceptionally hard to make the weekend at this year’s major.
However, he did so in classic Woods form, hitting all manner of imaginative shots en route to a level par 72, with four bogeys and four birdies.
It left the 15-time major champion one over par for the championship and three strokes under the expected cut of four over.
The 48-year-old entered the year’s opening major tied for 23 consecutive Masters cuts with Gary Player and the aforementioned Couples.
But his exploits this week have helped him draw ahead.
Woods stated that, while he does not play for cuts, he has a greater appreciation for his accomplishments considering what he has been through.
Three years ago, Woods was involved in a near-fatal single-vehicle accident in Los Angeles.
There was a 50 percent probability that his right leg would have to be amputated, yet he survived.
“As soon as I finish with you [the media], I’m going to text Freddy and give him a little needle,” he told reporters on Friday evening.
Woods continued, “I’ve always enjoyed playing here. I have been able to play here since I was 19 years old. Being able to compete is a privilege that I do not take lightly.
“The years I have missed, I wish I was able to play because there’s such an aura and mystique about playing this golf course that I don’t think that — unless you have played and competed here, you probably don’t really appreciate.”
Regarding his chances this weekend, he stated, “I’m right there.” I am only eight back as of now.
“I don’t think anyone will run away and hide right now, although it’s incredibly crowded.
“The way the ball is moving on the greens, chip shots are being blown, it’s all you want in a golf course today.”
The milestone will undoubtedly please the living great, who made a ludicrous 142 consecutive PGA Tour cuts in his prime.
To this day, Woods considers it his best achievement.
Woods began his second round with a score of one over par.
After two pars to open the round, his first birdie came on the fourth hole.
Woods hit a wedge from 91 yards and made a birdie putt from nine feet.
Back-to-back bogeys followed.
Woods was punished first for missing the green on the left at the par-3 fourth, followed by a poor tee shot at the fifth, where he attempted and failed to save par from 28 feet.
Then, at the par-3 sixth, Woods delivered a vintage performance, chipping in from nine yards after his tee shot fell short.
A botched approach with a seven iron cost him another stroke at seven before he capitalized on the par-5 eighth.
Woods shot a level par and ground out four more pars before arriving at the par-4 14th.
Despite reaching the fairway, he hit his approach far and left into the spectators, leaving him with just within 10 feet to save par.
Woods couldn’t locate the middle of the cup, but he did find the green with two great strokes at the next hole, setting up the simplest of birdies.
Two more pars followed at 16 and 17, before another mishit iron shot left him scrambling to rescue par.
Woods hit his second shot left, leaving him with a five-foot putt to save par.
Naturally, he sank the putt.
Why shouldn’t he?
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