Tiger Woods battling to make record 24th consecutive cut in the Masters

Amidst a field of 27 players stalled in completing their opening rounds due to persistent weather disruptions, Tiger Woods, the illustrious 15-time major champion, showcased glimpses of his renowned prowess, navigating his first 13 holes at one under par. However, as play resumed the following day, Woods encountered a tumultuous journey across Augusta National Golf Club.

With the resumption of play on Friday morning at 0750 local time (1250BST), Woods’ performance oscillated between moments of brilliance and challenges to maintain his momentum. A bogey on the 14th, a consequence of a wayward chip from short of the green, set the stage for a rollercoaster round. Nevertheless, the seasoned veteran demonstrated resilience, salvaging a par on the 15th after an errant approach shot.

Despite leaving birdie opportunities tantalizingly short on the 16th and 17th greens, Woods’ determination remained unwavering. However, a final hole setback ensued as he failed to escape a greenside bunker, resulting in a dropped shot and a closing 73 for his first round. With a mere 49 minutes allotted for rest, refueling, or last-minute practice, Woods commenced his second round endeavor with a mix of pars and a timely birdie on the third hole.

Yet, the journey ahead was fraught with challenges, exemplified by consecutive bogeys on the fourth and fifth holes. Undeterred, Woods conjured a moment of brilliance on the sixth, delighting spectators by chipping in for a birdie. As the round progressed, fluctuating fortunes persisted, evidenced by a bogey on the seventh followed by a birdie on the par-five eighth.

Amidst this captivating narrative, Woods found himself at one over par, positioned favorably within the early projected cut line. Meanwhile, his playing partner, Max Homa, surged into the limelight, capitalizing on Bryson DeChambeau’s stumble to seize the outright lead. The journey was not without its casualties, as former champion Jordan Spieth endured a nightmarish quadruple-bogey nine on the 15th, jeopardizing his chances of advancing to the weekend.

As the day unfolded, the leaderboard witnessed fluctuations, with notable contenders experiencing the ebb and flow of Augusta’s unforgiving layout. Open champion Brian Harman’s woes were laid bare as he stumbled to an opening round of 81, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of major championship golf.

Against the backdrop of Augusta’s storied history and unforgiving challenges, Woods’ resilience and the field’s unwavering determination underscored the enduring allure of the Masters Tournament, where every shot carries the weight of history and the promise of glory.