Tiger Woods shows he hasn't changed one bit immediately after breaking Masters record

Tiger Woods was only focused on giving himself a chance to win the Masters again after he made history by making the cut for the 24th consecutive year at Augusta

After making the Masters cut for the 24th consecutive year, Tiger Woods was asked about what his latest record means to him.

“It means I have a chance going into the weekend,” claimed the 15-time Major winner “I have a chance to win the golf tournament. I got my two rounds in. I'm right there. I'm tired. I've been out for a while, competing, grinding.

"It's been a long 23 holes, a long day. But (caddie) Lance (Bennett) and I really did some good fighting today, and we've got a chance. Just need some food and some caffeine, and I'll be good to go.”

Woods, 48, went 23 holes in winds gusting up to 40mph under clear blue skies at Augusta National yesterday. He twice hit errant approach shots into the crowd and his walk became slowly more laboured in only his second event of the year.

Going into yet another weekend here on one-over par, his claims to be still in contention may well be fanciful with his playing partner Max Homa adding a 71 to his opening 67 to take the clubhouse lead on six-under par. But the huge crowds which still follow his every step show he is now the sentimental favourite.

And despite his aching body, the American superstar still has the heart to play his 100th round here on Sunday in his 26th Masters. He has only missed one cut here as an amateur in 1996.

Sir Nick Faldo, who played the opening two rounds with Woods in 1997 before the American superstar won by 12 shots. said: “He survives on sheer determination. I think it is absolutely incredible.”

Of all the amazing statistics in Woods’ career, maybe the most striking is the 142 consecutive cuts he made on the PGA Tour between 1998 and 2005. Even when out of contention, he never quit. And the 15-time Major winner, who has undergone five back surgeries and has a fused right ankle, is showing the same spirit here.

“I've always loved playing here. I've been able to play here since I was 19 years old. It's one of the honors I don't take lightly, being able to compete. The years I have missed, I wish I was able to play because there's such an aura and mystique about playing this golf course that unless you have played and competed here, you probably don't really appreciate.”

He re-started his rain-delayed first round at 7.50am on the 14th tee and finished the final five holes of his first round at 9.30am. At 10.18am he was back out for a rollercoaster second round which included four birdies and four birdies in his 72 to break the record of consecutive cuts here he had shared with his friend Freddie Couples and Gary Player. “As soon as I'm done with you guys, I will text Freddie and give him a little needle,” he smiled.

Woods hit only 17 greens in regulation in his two rounds. His body might ache but the five-time Masters still has his old touch around the greens. “Most of the up-and-downs I was in a perfect spot,” he said.

By mid-afternoon, the scoring average was 74.7 on the par-72 hole and Gary Woodland’s ball was blown off the 16th green. Sand was whipped out of the bunkers onto greens and fairways. The 1992 champion Couples, who followed his opening 80 with a 76, said: “It was brutal out there.”