There must be something about Australia that Tiger Woods finds to his liking as he’s on target to end a two-year winless drought where he last tasted success.

Woods birdied half of his closing dozen holes in a five under par 67 to move to the top of the board on nine under par on day two of the Emirates Australian Open being played on The Lakes course in Sydney.

Local Sydneysider Peter O’Malley recorded a 66 to muscle his way into second place on eight under par while compatriot Jason Day, and the highest world ranked Australian who played alongside Woods, signed for a 68 to be just two adrift of Woods.

Tiger Woods last victory was two years ago in the Australian Masters.

Woods made his Australian debut in 1996 at the nearby Australian Club finishing fourth behind then World No. 1 Greg Norman in the Australian Open.

The American then went to No. 1 himself a handful of months later after capturing the 1997 Masters and the first of 14 Major triumphs for Woods.

However Woods returned to Sydney earlier this year having slipped to No. 58 in the world.

And after the controversy earlier in the week over racist comments by his former caddy, Woods has quickly stamped his class in windy conditions on the course located just a few minutes drive from the centre of the former Olympic Games host city.

It is only Woods seventh round this year and he singled it out as the best since a charging final round 67 that handed him a share of fourth in April’s U.S. Masters.

“This is my best round since the Masters even though I have only played about six rounds this year before this week,” he said.

“I played well today and I could have been a little lower on my first nine holes.

“Basically, I felt that I never really missed a shot. Even though I shot five under today it felt like it could easily been eight or nine deep.”

And seeing his name atop of The Lakes leader board certainly brought out a big smile on the face of the 35-year old.

“The headlines tell the whole story, don’t they?” he said.

“It is one of those things, just being patient.

“I’m playing like I explained to you guys yesterday, I’m playing like I am playing at home.

“It has finally come to the golf course in a tournament setting. I have been hitting it like this at home but it hasn’t come out in a tournament setting yet.

“That’s the best progression. I have been through swing changes before. That’s what’s happened. It takes a little time but once it starts coming the confidence starts building.”

And the three ball of Woods, Day and Robert Allenby certainly attracted a big following over the two days, and something that also delighted Woods.

“It feels great to have everyone so fired up,” he said.

“Jason is playing well too at the same time. We have an Aussie here.

“So we certainly had the crowds cheering, which was great. The second part of the question, what was the last time, it was probably Sunday at Augusta.”

And while Woods is delighted to be leadind, Day was equally thrilled to be playing alongside his boyhood idol for a first time in his career.

“Growing up, Tiger was my idol,” said Day.

“I had posters of his swing on my wall. I read books about him. He changed my life because I worked harder after I read his book.

“So it is good to see him playing good golf again.  You can tell that by the reaction from the fans. It is good to hear that again. I think golf needs Tiger.

“There are a lot of young guys coming up now. The competition is getting a lot tougher.

“There are a lot of people out there. I was just talking to Rob’s (Allenby) caddie on the eighth hole and I was amazed at how many people came out to watch us.  It felt great.”