The amateur Stewart Hagestad summed it up best. “Look at what Tiger is doing right now.
“The guy has barely played at all in the last calendar year, and he’s 1-over. That’s alien stuff. That’s unbelievable.”
Why do we so readily play down Tiger Woods’ ability to astound us?
A second round even par 72, following an opening 73 that saw the five-time green jacket winner return to the course to play the last five holes, has delivered yet another record in a career jammed full of them.
This one is significant – breaking the number for the most consecutive cuts made at the Masters. It’s 24, vaulting him above Gary Player and Fred Couples. But the company is almost incidental. It’s what it means that’s important.
Making cuts at majors is mark of consistency. And just look at these 24 cuts, spread out around a set of injuries that would have buried the careers of most.
Woods, though, possesses a single mind and a determination that has always been unmatched. That will to succeed, despite competing with fusions, breaks, aches and strains, must be admired.
But, outwardly at least, he has little stock for history. So when quizzed on what 24 straight cuts at Augusta meant, he was only – always – thinking about winning.
“It means I have a chance going into the weekend,” he said. “I’m here. I have a chance to win the golf tournament. I don’t know if they’re all going to finish today, but I’m done. I got my two rounds in. Just need some food and some caffeine, and I’ll be good to go.”
Tiger Woods breaks Masters cut record
Winning? You might be forgiven for thinking that was crazy talk and Woods has certainly got a lot to do – seven back of current leaders Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa and Scottie Scheffler.
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But on a tough day of scoring, hindered by gusty winds that swirled around the golf course and which saw most of the leaders flatlining, Woods remains a master of fashioning a score.
His swing certainly looks the part, and his short game – assisted by a chip in birdie on the 6th – looks on point. The question, as it will always be now, is physical. Will another 36 holes on this golf course, with his physical limitations, prevent him building a challenge?
However the weekend works out, though, this does feel like progress. He certainly won’t be without joy in Saturday’s third round.
“Well, I’ve always loved playing here,” Woods explained. “I’ve been able to play here since I was 19 years old. It’s one of the honours I don’t take lightly – being able to compete. The years I have missed, I wish I was able to play because there’s such an aura and mystique about playing this golf course that, unless you have played and competed here, you probably don’t really appreciate.”
And while Woods has never played for cuts, and never will, there is one person who will be hearing all about the number 24. “As soon as I’m done with you guys [I’ll] text Freddie and give him a little needle.”
Now have your say
What do you make of Tiger Woods Masters cuts record? Does it even further embellish his record as one of the game’s all-time greats, or is it a reflection of where his game is now? Let me know by leaving a comment on X.
