AUGUSTA -- Tiger Woods was tired Friday afternoon.
It had been a long day for the five-time Masters champion, who returned to Augusta National Golf Club first thing in the morning to get back to work on his weather-delayed first round.
The 48-year-old battled the windy conditions, his fused ankle, back and surgically-rebuilt knee laboring for 23 holes.Â
He competed. He grinded. Most importantly, he fought. And for a Masters-record 24th consecutive time, he'll be back for the weekend after making the cut.
"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."
Woods followed up his opening-round 71 with an eventful 72, leaving him at 1-over 143 at the midway point. He played holes 3 through 8 in even-par without making one, then bounced back from a bogey on 14 with a birdie on 15.
Woods said Tuesday that the cut streak, which he previously shared with good friend Fred Couples (1983-2007) and Gary Player (1959-82), was a symbol of longevity, consistency and an understanding of how to play Augusta National.
He showed that throughout his first two rounds, particularly with his chipping to save par after missing greens.
"Yeah. I was forced to get up and down a few times today, and I was able to do that," he said. "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. Probably the only exception was the spot I put myself in on 14. Most of the up-and-downs I was in a perfect spot."
His cut streak began in 1997, which was both his first Masters as a pro and also his first green jacket. He's missed the tournament four times during the stretch, but never the cut. Last year he made it through after multiple weather delays, but withdrew six holes into the third round after reaggravating his plantar fasciitis. What was a pained look for most of last year has been more joyful this week.
"Well, I've always loved playing here. I've been able to play here since I was 19 years old," he said. "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."
The prospect of walking 23 holes in one day at Augusta National was especially daunting considering Woods had only completed 24 competitive holes - at the Genesis Invitational in February before withdrawing due to illness - this year.Â
He's seven back of co-leaders Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa and Scottie Scheffler at the end of play Friday, and he said the bunched leaderboard and windy conditions made him feel that no one was going to run away from the rest of the field.
Homa, one of Woods' playing partners, said it took pressure off of himself knowing the massive crowds were there because of Woods.
"It was awesome. It really is a dream to get to play with him here," Homa said. "I've been saying, I always wanted to just watch him hit iron shots around here, and I was right up next to him. It was really cool. His short game was so good. I don't think I can explain how good some of the chip shots he hit today were. He's special. We had a really quick turnaround, and if I was feeling tired and awful, I imagine he was feeling even worse."
After the round it was off to rest and recover, then get ready for Moving Day at the Masters. And one more thing.
"Yeah. I think I will be able to as soon as I'm done with you guys text Freddy and give him a little needle," he joked.
