Woods powers four shots clear at Bay Hill

Tiger Woods opened up a commanding four-stroke lead over Scott McCarron after the second round of the $4 million Bay Hill Invitational at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on Friday.

The world number one shot a seven-under-par 65 to finish 12-under on 132. His total was a new tournament record in relation to strokes below par, and also equalled the biggest 36-hole lead in the event.

McCarron, runner-up at the Nissan Open and the World Match Play in his last two starts, fired a five-under-par 67 for a tally of 136, one stroke better than South African Ernie Els (67) and Angel Cabrera (70) of Argentina.

Another shot further adrift on 138 were John Daly (71) and John Huston (71).

Woods is looking for his first win since the WGC-NEC Invitational last August. He was in a similar situation last year, going into the Bay Hill event searching for his maiden victory of 2001.

The defending champion began his round at the 10th hole with a birdie and went out in 32, four under. Woods then birdied the fourth, fifth and sixth for the second straight day before making his first bogey of the tournament at the par-four eighth.

"I felt like I hit the ball really well today," Woods said of his best round since he shot 65 in the final round of the season-opening Mercedes Championships.

"I got in position to make some putts, and I was able to get off to a really good start on the back nine and it carried from there. I made a lot of putts that felt like I had a really good chance of making."

Woods had eight birdies, one bogey and only 27 putts. He has played the four par-fives in seven-under-par over the first two days.

FEELING COMFORTABLE

"I feel like things I've been working on are starting to come together," he said, "and that's what I felt like last year, same thing.

"I feel comfortable with the lead," Woods said. "I would always much rather be in the lead than come from behind, because then you can always make a mistake and still win. That's just kind of how I always looked at it."

McCarron, who has three U.S. PGA Tour wins to his credit, posted a bogey-free round to remain in the title hunt.

McCarron's form this season has been exceptional. Aside from his two runner-up finishes, he was also tied for fifth at the Mercedes Championships.

"When you're playing well, it feels like you can play any golf course," he said. "And right now I've been playing some really good golf whether it's poa annua, bermuda, tiffeagle. I'm enjoying playing golf now.

"I hit a lot of fairways and hit a lot of good putts," said McCarron of his 67 on Friday.

Els is seeking his third victory in as many weeks, having followed up his win in the Genuity Championship by picking up the Dubai Desert Classic title last Sunday.

"I've been striking it quite well and playing quite nicely, so might as well continue trying to do that," Els said.

"I got a nice little lesson from (coach) David (Leadbetter) this morning, regarding my swing and stuff, and I just felt I was hitting it really nice today.

"I think I missed three or four really short birdie putts. Could have made a little difference but, you know, I feel like I'm playing well, so I want to continue doing that."

The second round marked the end of Arnold Palmer's competitive appearances at the Bay Hill event.

Palmer moved the tournament to Bay Hill in 1979 and has played in every one since. His best finish was a tie for 24th in 1991.

Seventy-six players made the cut, which fell at two-over-par 146.