Relief for Tiger Woods as he lives to fight another two days at Masters

Trees may have fallen, but an idol did not. Spectators still reeling from the astonishing Friday afternoon episode when a trio of Georgia pines crashed to the turf were at least cheered by the survival of Tiger Woods for this major’s closing 36 holes.

Woods maintained a superb record of never missing a Masters cut as a professional, a streak that now extends to 23. He has tied Gary Player and Fred Couples at that figure, a tournament record. Incredibly, Couples also made it into the delayed round three at cold, rain-soaked Augusta. Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas were among those to bow out as Woods and Couples rolled back the years. The Masters really is all about tradition.

Woods returned at the 12th tee on Saturdaymorning to complete round two. Which is hardly the softest of starts. The 15-times major winner played a sublime iron to within five feet of the cup. His birdie opportunity slid by. “I hit just a terrible putt,” he said. “I pulled it.”

Woods picked up a shot at the 15th to move comfortably inside the cut line. Drama – typically – followed. Woods dropped shots at the 17th and 18th to leave a nervous wait at three over par.

The terrible finish of Thomas, a close friend of Woods, helped the 47-year-old. Thomas played his closing four holes in three over, meaning a 78 and a plus four total. Thomas exited stage left as Woods, who has been in clear physical distress all week, earned a third-round tee time. To his credit, he appeared perfectly happy about that despite dipping temperatures and his aching body.

“I’ve always loved this course and I love playing this event,” he said. “I’ve missed a couple with some injuries, but I’ve always wanted to play here. I’ve loved it. I hope I get a chance to