Tiger Woods takes lead in Australian Open; fans, even foes, impressed

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Tiger Woods shot a five-under-par 67 on Friday to take a one-shot lead after two rounds of the Australian Open.

Woods said he felt he played well after taking only his second lead after a completed round since he won at the Australian Masters almost two years ago. Woods is at nine-under 135 at the Lakes in Sydney.

Tiger fans on Twitter are singing his praises -- ‘Tiger Woods is back... Whether he made mistakes or not... He one of the greatest Golfers to tee of’ and ‘Music to any true golf fans ears.’ Jason Day, who played the round with Woods, also was impressed.

“He hits some shots that made me go, ‘Wow,’ ‘ said Day, one of Australia’s rising young stars, who had a 68 to finish two back.

‘I feel that I can play a lot of different shots, but some of the shots that guy hits, especially around the greens, are amazing. He is always in control and always composed.”

Peter O’Malley (no, not the ex-Dodgers owner) birdied his last two holes for a 66 to finish one shot behind Woods. And Bubba Watson birdied his last three holes for a 70 to close within three shots of the lead.

“Even though I shot five under,’ Woods said, ‘it felt it could have been eight or nine deep.

“It is one of those things, just being patient. I’m playing like I am playing at home. It has finally come to the golf course in a tournament setting. It takes a little time but once it starts coming, the confidence starts building.”

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-- Dan Loumena