Woods leaves rivals with plenty to ponder at Sherwood
THOUSAND OAKS, California (Reuters) - Tiger Woods left his rivals trailing in his wake at the Target World Challenge on Friday and is odds-on favorite to clinch the title for the fourth time.
The world number one spreadeagled the field by firing a spectacular 10-under-par 62 in the second round, setting a course record on the undulating layout at Sherwood Country Club.
"If the guy who's leading keeps playing the way he is playing, he can't be caught," British Open champion Padraig Harrington told reporters after climbing into fourth place with a 67.
"There's no question I know this golf course well," added the Irishman, who won the tournament in 2002. "It's good to have a bit of local knowledge.
"But I'm struggling to manage my complete game so I'm not about to start worrying about the other guys.
"I'm not anywhere near close to my best. I will try my hardest over the next two days but I need to be more match-fit, let's just say."
Masters champion Zach Johnson, who ended a calm day in third place after shooting a 67, was not at all surprised that Woods was four shots clear at the tournament's halfway point.
"He never surprises me," Johnson said after posting an eight-under total of 136.
ALWAYS IMPRESSIVE
"He's just that impressive all the time and you just have to control what you're doing and not worry about him. I've put myself in contention for the weekend."
World number three Jim Furyk is Woods's closest challenger going and he paid tribute to the leader.
"He played a heck of a round and my hat's off to him," Furyk said after securing second spot with a 67. "We all need to figure out how to catch up the rest of the week and do the best we can.
"Conditions were pretty ripe today and there were a lot of 67s. But when you you're able to separate yourself from the field like he did, it's a fantastic round."
Furyk, who has played with Woods on several U.S. teams at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, is looking forward to partnering the game's leading player in the third round.
"I like his company, I enjoy his company," he said. "It's probably always a little better to have your eye on the guy that's leading."
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
