What would be the prevailing thought of Tiger Woods, leader of the Buick Invitational by a whopping four shots at the half way point, thanks to a 65 which was filled with seven birdies and no bogeys?
“Drive the ball better.”
Tiger is -12, with rookie Kevin Streelman in a clear second at -8. The 29-year old has turned into a feel good story. He was the last alternate, only getting a start at Torrey Pines when Australian Matthew Goggin withdrew. Streelman had just four minutes to race to the first tee. On Saturday he will live a dream and be paired with the 13-time major winner.
Stewart Cink is outright third at -7, with Aaron Baddeley tied with two others at -6.
Baddeley’s Australian compatriots Stuart Appleby, John Senden, Nathan Green and Robert Allenby are also in the top ten.
That five-time champion Woods could miss more than half the fairways at La Jolla and still be streaking the field heading into the weekend says something for his impeccable touch. Tiger needing just 24 putts on Friday. Not bad for a guy who is playing his first event of the new year.
Even if his name is T. Woods.
“I think it’s just the way you practice,” Woods said. “Once you get the feel for being back in the competitive feel, off you go.”
Tiger was furious with his driving, which was also off on Thursday. His overall fairway percentage of 46.4 is outside the top 50 this week.
“Same as yesterday. Low left, high right, pick which one you want. I have to get that organised for tomorrow.”
Tiger fired three birdies in the first four holes, with additional birdies on 9, 13, 16 and 18. His round had a vastly different look than yesterday’s five under 67. Only two of today’s birdies were on holes he birdied yesterday. Going into the weekend, Tiger has birdied all but five holes of the Torrey Pines layout.
Woods is sitting on 61 PGA tour victories, one short of Arnold Palmer. “Anytime you’re associated with Arnold Palmer in the record books, you’re always going to be very proud of that.” Woods said. “What he’s done over his career and what he’s done for golf is monumental.”
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