Tiger Woods has historically played some of the best golf of his career at Torrey Pines, where he has a record eight professional victories. Woods started his third round at the Farmers Insurance Open on Saturday six shots behind leader Ryan Palmer – but by the time Woods made the turn, he was near the top of the leaderboard once again.
Woods opened his round with two birdies in his first three holes, and then made a crucial par save at the fourth. After a drive into the right fairway, Woods hit a poor second shot well right of the green that left him 31 yards to the hole. Woods was unable to hold the green with his approach, but he holed a perfect chip to card a par.
At the par-5 sixth hole, Woods had a difficult approach out of the rough with the green working away from him, but then drilled a 13-footer for birdie to get to 7-under for the tournament.
Woods capped off his front nine with another par-5 birdie, taking advantage of a glorious approach shot that set up a four-foot putt.
Through nine hole on Saturday, Woods was at 8-under par for the tournament, just two shots behind the leader. He carded his first bogey of the day at the 11th, but barring a late collapse, should be in prime position to contend for his record 83rd PGA Tour win on Sunday.
