AUGUSTA – At his age and after all his injuries, Tiger Woods just wants “some food and some caffeine” following a gruelling second day of the Masters on April 12.

The 48-year-old battled his way to make a record 24th straight cut at 2024’s first Major with a dastardly wind conspiring against him, but an adoring crowd cheering him through a marathon 23 holes – his first round was suspended after 13 holes due to darkness.

For the five-time Masters champion and 15-time Major winner, the milestone of surpassing Gary Player and Fred Couples’ streak of 23 straight cuts made was no doubt a matter of some pride.

Woods, despite all his operations throughout the years, remains the supreme competitor and his thoughts quickly turned to his goals for the weekend.

“It means I have a chance going into the weekend. I’m here. I have a chance to win the golf tournament,” he said, when asked of the significance of his achievement.

The American golf great, who carded an even-par 72, is on one-over 145 after two rounds, seven strokes off the lead and with plenty to do if he truly is to get into contention.

For the most, Woods was solid rather than spectacular but at times in his second round, with an excited crowd backing him, the atmosphere of his heyday was back.

Crowds swarmed around him on the tee, rushed down the sides of the fairways to grab a look at his approach shots and the galleries around the greens were packed on every hole he played.

It certainly could have been a final round on Sunday around Amen Corner – the 11th to 13th holes – where spectators peeked over shoulders for a glance of his putts amid the whiff of freshly lit cigars.

Augusta loves Woods and the feeling is mutual.

“I’ve always loved playing here. I’ve been able to play here since I was 19. It’s one of the honours I don’t take lightly, being able to compete,” he said. “The years I have missed, I wish I was able to play. There’s such an aura and mystique about playing this course.”

He parred all three holes at Amen Corner which in many ways summed up his round – rock solid and resilient with some superb short iron shots.

He made bogey on 14th, but bounced back on the par-five 15th with birdie and saw out the rest of his round with pars.

It was a calm end to a long day after he made three bogeys and three birdies on his front nine. He hit 25 of 28 fairways over his first two rounds, his best accuracy from the tee at Augusta since 1996.

Woods credited his knowledge of the course for his ability to get out of trouble.

“I was forced to get up-and-down a few times today, and I was able to do that. A lot of those chip shots I was able to get up-and-down because I left it in the perfect spot and that’s understanding how to play this golf course,” he said.

Some questioned whether he would physically be able to handle 23 holes – with only 52 minutes between rounds.

He chose to spend that break on the range, rather than resting, working with his irons while also having some liniment applied to his back and sides to help ease the pain he deals with on a daily basis.

“I’m tired. I’ve been out for a while, competing, grinding. It’s been a long 23 holes, a long day,” Woods added.

“I got my two rounds in. Just need some food and some caffeine, and I’ll be good to go.”

Co-leader Max Homa, who played with Woods in a group with Australian Jason Day and carded a 71, said it was a privilege to witness Woods up close.

“His short game was so good. I don’t think I can explain how good some of the chip shots he hit today were,” said the American, who shared the lead with Bryson DeChambeau (73) and Scottie Scheffler (72) on six-under 138.

“It was awesome. It really is a dream to get to play with him here.”

Among the notables to miss the six-over cut – on a day when only eight players broke par mainly due to the wind – were Jordan Spieth (74), Dustin Johnson (79) and Justin Thomas (79). AFP, REUTERS