It's been a great start to the 2010 US Masters, and will only get better in rounds 3 and 4.
Some big names have dropped out, most notably the Irish challengers, but there's plenty of talent atop the Augusta leaderboard.
Let's get one thing clear right away - it's great to see Tiger back where he belongs. No one quite knew how his return to the course would go, but it's been business as usual. The World Number has played two solid days to leave himself in a very dangerous position at -6, 2 shots off the English duo of Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood. Also tied with Woods are Phil Mickelson, KJ Choi, Ricky Barnes, and last week's winner Anthony Kim.
So what next?
Everyone knows Saturday as moving day, and all eyes will be on Tiger to see what he does. It remains to see how the course sets up today, but you've got to think he'll be looking to shoot something around a 68 and get to double figures. -10 could well be the lead going into the final round, and he tends not to lose a final round lead. In fact, the only man who's taken a final round major lead from him to win is sitting one shot behind him, at -5. You can still back Y.E. Yang at 30/1 with the bookies - if that's not worth a fiver each way I don't know what is. Once Yang gets into the mix in a tournament, he doesn't quickly fall away. He's in fine shape here, and has looked solid so far. The same goes for his fellow South Korean KJ Choi. He's a man who's returned to form this year, and before Yang exploded on to the scene he was set to be Asia's first major winner. Don't rule him out.
I wish I thought differently, but I don't think Lee Westwood is going to pick up his first major this week. He's definitely getting much closer, but his putting still isn't top class, and on the back nine on Sunday, that's what matters. Whose putting is top class? His playing partner, Ian Poulter. I can hardly remember him missing from inside 10 feet this year, and he's going to relish the challenge of the final group today. I think he's going to outscore Lee by 2 shots, and set up a great chance to take the green jacket.
It's the putting that stops me fancying Mickelson as well - in general it's been ok, but you can't win a major if you're worrying about the 3-footers.
Anthony Kim is the USA's answer to Ian Poulter - a fired up, cocky young man, who's full of belief after a win in Houston. He made a couple of great saves yesterday, and he's definitely in the hunt.
It was sad to see the old guard slip a little yesterday, but Freddie Couples and Tom Watson are still there at -3, and while a fairytale might be a little too far, a top-10 finish isn't.
The way the course is playing this week, I don't see someone bursting from the pack with a 65 today, but still in it at -3 is Dane Soren Kjeldsen, one of the solidest players on the European tour over the past 18 months. Again, I think a win is out of his reach at this stage, but don't be too surprised if he finishes in the top 5 or 6.
The Masters weekend is always a joy, and this year shows no signs of being any different.
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