Max Homa drained two quick birdies then held on during a wild, windy Friday at Augusta National to take the second round clubhouse lead, while Tiger Woods again proved he can never be counted out as he made Masters history.
Homa, who had never broken 70 at Augusta until wrapping up his weather delayed first round on Friday morning with a five-under 67, was quickly back out on the course and on the move with birdies at the second and fourth.
From there the 33-year-old American went into full damage control mode, carding 13 pars and a single bogey to happily sign for a one-under-71 as gusting winds and firming conditions limited scoring chances.
Homa's six-under two day total is under threat from LIV Golf powerhouse Bryson DeChambeau, who muscled his way through Amen Corner with birdies at 12 and 13 before taking a bogey at 14 to get to seven-under with four to play.
DeChambeau had set the early target on Thursday, carding his best ever Masters round of seven-under 65 but was unable to find any momentum until making the turn.
Homa has six wins on the PGA Tour but has never been able to produce anywhere near his best at the majors.
In four visits to Augusta he has missed the cut twice and his best finish a tie for 43rd last year.
As always the spotlight was on Woods as he chased a record 24th consecutive made cut at Augusta National.
It appears to be mission accomplished for the five-times Masters champion after scrapping his way to an even par 72 and midway total of one-over well clear of the projected four-over cut.
The 15-time major winner has made a career of proving doubters wrong and did so again behind a performance of pure grit.
Woods has a long list of magical Masters moments and conjured up one more on Friday and then immediately set his sights on another -- a record equalling sixth Green Jacket.
"I'm in the ball game," said Woods. "I have a chance going into the weekend. I'm here.
"I have a chance to win the golf tournament."
The 48-year-old arrived at the year's first major facing a challenge that was certain to test his will and injury-battered body.
Coming into Augusta, Woods had played just 24 holes this year and had to play nearly as many on a marathon Friday that began with completing the last five holes of his weather delayed opening round for a one-over 73 followed immediately by another 18.
Under brilliant blue skies, Woods was clearly up for the fight and he mixed four birdies with the same number of bogeys through a rollercoaster round.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, the red hot favourite for a second Green Jacket after posting two wins and a runner-up finish in his last three starts, is also stalking the clubhouse leader on six-under with 10 holes to complete
