DORAL, Fla. (AP) - Tiger Woods tied his personal best with 17 birdies over two rounds on the Blue Monster. What mattered more to him was a two-shot lead going into the weekend at the Cadillac Championship.
Woods seized control with six birdies in an eight-hole stretch around the turn on the way to a 7-under 65. Graeme McDowell put together a birdie-birdie finish for a 67 and sole possession of second place.
Phil Mickelson, sparked by a visit to Augusta National earlier this week, had a 67 and joined Steve Stricker, who also shot 67, to stand three shots out of the lead.
Rory McIlroy showed signs of turning the corner with a 69, his first round under par this year. That left the world's top ranked player 11 shots off the pace.