The ominous figure of Tiger Woods overshadowed a brutal third round at the Masters on Saturday, despite stumbling to a bogey-bogey finish.
Most of the field slid backwards on what is traditionally known as ‘Moving Day’ at the majors and the four-times champion ended it just one stroke behind leader Stuart Appleby of Australia.
Red-hot favorite at the start of the week to clinch his 13th major title, Woods drove into trees off the tee on 17 and missed the green with his approach at the last on his way to an even-par 72, matching the day’s second best score.
Having toiled hard in gusting winds at a chilly Augusta National, the world number one had to settle for a three-over total of 219 but will tee off in Sunday’s final pairing with Appleby.
“That was one of the hardest rounds we have played out here,” a frustrated Woods told reporters after his second bogey-bogey finish of the week.
“It was a tough day with the wind gusts. You hit quality shots and just get absolutely hosed.
“Hopefully you get committed to hit the proper shot and get lucky at the same time with the wind.
“If you make 18 pars, you are going to move up that leaderboard,” added the 31-year-old American, who is hunting his third consecutive major after winning last year’s British Open and PGA Championship.
“Around here that’s not usually the case but it was today.”
Asked if he felt the same level of frustration as he did after dropping shots on 17 and 18 in the opening round, he replied: “Yes…and then some.

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