Tiger Woods says he plans to needle Fred Couples as soon as possible after he became the first man in Masters history to make 24 cuts in a row.
Woods was made to work extremely hard to make the weekend at this year’s major.
But he did so in typical Woods fashion, hitting all manner of creative shots as he carded four bogeys and four birdies on his way to a level par 72.
It left the 15-time major champion on one over par for the championship and crucially three shots inside the projected cut of four over.
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The 48-year-old came into the first major of the year tied on 23 consecutive Masters cuts made alongside Gary Player and the aforementioned Couples.
But his exploits this week have now seen him pull clear.
Woods said that although he doesn’t play for cuts, there is more of an appreciation for the achievement given all he has been through
Three years ago Woods was involved in a single vehicle car crash in Los Angeles that was very nearly fatal.
There was a 50 per cent chance his right leg needed to be amputated but somehow he is still here.
“As soon as I’m done with you guys [the media, I am going to] text Freddy and give him a little needle,” he told reporters on Friday evening.
Woods added: “I’ve always loved playing here. I’ve been able to play here since I was 19 years old. It’s one of the honors 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 I don’t think that — unless you have played and competed here, you probably don’t really appreciate.”
Of his chances this weekend, he said: “I’m right there. I’m only eight back as of right now.
“I don’t think anyone is going to run off and hide right now, but it’s really bunched.
“The way the ball is moving on the greens, chip shots are being blown, it’s all you want in a golf course today.”
The feat will no doubt thrill the living legend, who made a downright laughable 142 consecutive PGA Tour cuts in his pomp.
To this day, Woods contends it his greatest ever achievement.
