Tiger Woods has guaranteed himself a weekend spot at this week’s Masters Tournament, once again writing his names into the Augusta National history books.
Tiger Woods has broken the Masters Tournament record for most consecutive cuts made, after sealing his weekend spot following the completion of his second round on Friday.
Woods is making only his second appearance of the season at Augusta National this week, but he has ensured he will be in contention throughout the 72 holes after making the halfway cut. The five-time champion is one-over-par for the week, having made his 24th consecutive cut at the year’s first major tournament.
In doing so, he surpasses other Augusta greats Fred Couples and Gary Player with 23 cuts made, a record he set 12 months ago before being forced to withdraw due to injury before of round three.
Woods’ fitness difficulties have been well chronicled, but this time around, the American appears to be lot more at ease on his feet. Despite making it to the weekend, his physique was put to the test on Friday, having been forced to play 23 holes owing to a weather delay on Thursday.
The 82-time PGA Tour champion returned to the course at 8:00 a.m. local time to finish his first round, followed by a quick turnaround to play round two. Despite the difficult job, Woods performed admirably, shooting a level-par 72 after beginning with a one-over 73.
The 15-time major champion had a rocky start to round two, making three birdies and three bogeys in his first nine holes. In classic Woods form, he straightened himself after the turn.
The sole blemish on his back nine was a bogey at the 14th, which was promptly balanced out by a birdie at 15. Woods’ goal now is to complete all 72 holes, which has proven to be a difficult challenge for the American in recent years.
Since suffering career-threatening injuries in a vehicle accident in February 2021, Woods has only played all four rounds of a tournament three times. Despite appearing more relaxed, the 48-year-old has made no secret of his ongoing fight with his physique.
His most recent setback was an ankle ailment that forced him to miss last year’s Masters, for which he has subsequently had significant therapy. “Well, the ankle doesn’t hurt anymore,” he said before the event.
“It is fused. It is not going anywhere. So it’s fine. Other sections of my body will now bear the brunt of it.” He later smiled and said, “I hurt every day. I’m aching. No, I ache every day. I prefer it warm, humid, and hot. And I know we’re going to have thunderstorms. So at the very least, it will be hot. “It will not be like last year.”
