REALLY LOVE THAT TIGER FEAT

Fighter Woods pushes battered body though 23 holes to set cut record

- NEIL MCLEMAN

WATCHING Tiger Woods at the US Masters is always memorable.

From winning his first Green Jacket as a 21-year-old here in 1997 to his fairy-tale fifth Green Jacket in 2019, the American superstar has written unforgettable history here.

At the age of 48, he is now involved in negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund over the future of golf and considering taking the Ryder Cup captaincy in 2025. But the 15-time Major winner still has the "sheer determination" to set more records at Augusta National.

And yesterday, in winds gusting up to 35mph under clear blue skies, the world No.959 forced himself to walk 23 holes to make his 24th consecutive cut and set a new mark ahead of Freddie Couples and Gary Player.

And the huge crowds which still follow him show he is now the sentimental favourite.

Woods twice hit errant approach shots into the crowd and his walk became more laboured later in the day. The fivetime champion will not equal Jack Nicklaus' record of wins here. But he still has the heart to play the weekend.