Never underestimate a champion!
Just as this website wrote ahead of the 88th Masters you cannot question anything that five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods might say.
Woods may not be in a position to capture a sixth Masters but nevertheless he’s just set a new Masters record after brilliantly assuring his place in the final two rounds of the 88th hosting of the Masters.
Woods posted scores of 72 and 73 for an impressive one-over par tally that ensures he will play all four days on the famed Augusta National course since winning the 1997 Masters as a rookie professional.
Tiger Woods sets a new Masters record of 24 unbroken halfway cuts in succession. (Image @TheMasters)
Woods, and now aged 48, has gone one better in making it 24 consecutive Masters cuts after having been tied with both Gary Player and Fred Couples at 23 ahead of teeing-up this week.
“It means I have a chance going into the weekend,” Woods said.
“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.
“I’m right there. I’m only eight back as of right now. I don’t think anyone is going to run off and hide right now, but it’s really bunched. The way the ball is moving on the greens, chip shots are being blown, it’s all you want in a golf course today”.
After a two-and-a-half delay to the start of Thursday’s opening round it meant Woods was not going to complete his opening round though he managed to putt out on the 13th in near darkness at one-over.
Woods returned, and along with 26 other Masters colleagues, to the course early Friday for his 7.50am restart to his round before eventually signing for a one-over 73 and then after some 30 minutes it was back to the first tee for the start of his second round.
Wood proceeded to produce three birdies and just as many bogeys in a level par 72 to be easily assured of contesting all four rounds, and a year on from also making the halfway cut but was forced out with injury ahead of the rain-affected third round.
However, all now seems rosy for Woods heading into the closing two rounds of the ’24 Masters.
“Well, I’ve always loved playing here. I’ve been able to play here since I was 19 years old,” said Woods.
“It’s one of the honours I don’t take lightly, being able to compete. 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”.
