Woods tames course as charm offensive continues

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-04-10 10:29

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Tiger Woods was confronted with a tougher crowd and more challenging conditions during the second round of the U.S. Masters on Friday but tamed both to remain in the chase for a fifth Green Jacket.

Woods tames course as charm offensive continues

Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during second round play in the 2010 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 9, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

Playing his first event in nearly five months after admitting to a string of extra-marital affairs, Woods's game and popularity continued on an upward arc as he surged into contention with a two-under 70 to finish just two strokes behind British co-leaders Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.

Swirling, gusty winds added bite to the Augusta National layout but did not faze Woods, whose exceptional play through two rounds to be on target for an unlikely 15th major has surprised many, but not himself. "I felt that I could put myself in contention," Woods told reporters. "I usually put myself in contention most of the time most years here and this year I'm right there."

"We got 36 more holes and I'm sure the golf course, they are not going to make it easy for us.

"They made it easy on the first day for us and today was certainly much more difficult."

After a rousing welcome back in the opening round, Woods received a more subdued reception when he stepped onto the first tee for round two.

But by the time the American marched up the 18th fairway bathed in brilliant sunshine, the galleries were squarely back in his corner breaking into loud applause and shouts of "Go Tiger".

Woods's charm offensive continued as he worked his way around the course, tipping his hat to the cheers and passing out plenty of "thank you's".

After teeing off at the par-three sixth, he spotted a young boy wearing a baseball cap with 'TW' emblazoned on the front and put a huge grin on the youngster's face by giving him a friendly hand slap as he walked by. On the 13th, he handed a golf glove to another fan.

Woods did not have to endure any of the humiliating distractions he faced on Thursday when a small plane towing banners lampooning his scandalous affairs buzzed the golf course.

Despite the warm welcome back, the 34-year-old has much more work ahead of him and may be more likely to win another major before winning back disillusioned fans and sponsors.

He has spent Masters week determined to push the spotlight away from his philandering to his play and appeared to be winning that battle. Every question asked in his post-round interview focused on exploits on the course rather than in the tabloids.

"I felt more comfortable (today) because I was hitting the ball better and I was putting better, even though I didn't shoot as low a score," said Woods. "I think that's a factor of the conditions.

"But I feel like I have more control of the golf ball today from tee to green and I hit putts right on my lines.

"That's something I wasn't doing yesterday."