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with a hooked drive into trees, causing him to lay up. He then pitched off the bank and into Rae's Creek; pitched again into the water; hit a third pitch to 35 feet and took two putts from there.

Whatever about Faldo's misfortune, former champions fared rather well. Bernhard Langer finished birdie, par, birdie for a second successive 72, while Ian Woosnam had a fine 68 which contained seven birdies. It lifted the Welshman to one over par and sparked hopes of a first serious challenge for the title since he triumphed in 1991.

"I played really well today, as well as I've done in a long time," said Woosnam afterwards. "In fact it could have been a lot better." And how did he feel about his prospects for the weekend? "I feel good enough to shoot a 65 tomorrow," came the confident response.

Rocca set himself the modest target of making the cut having failed last year, and settled better in the calmer conditions. But he didn't see the need to establish himself with American fans. "I hope they remember me for my putt in the British Open (when he tied with John Daly in 1995)," he said.

Meanwhile, Olazabal scrambled a glorious par at the last to protect some admirably steady work. Having driven into a fairway bunker on the left, his attempted recovery hit the lip and popped back. Then, at the second attempt, he left the ball three feet from the pin. "I played dwell from tee to green but didn't make many putts," he said afterwards.

Montgomerie, on the other hand, used the blade only 25 times in a round that contained seven birdies. It was his best performance in six Masters appearances, yet he remained somewhat apprehensive about his prospects.

"My chances depend on Mr Woods," he said. "This course suits him better than me and if he continues what he's doing, then all we can do is shake his hand." But Montgomerie added: "It's up to me to pressurise him. I am more experienced in the majors and I've got to make that tell."

After shooting a 66, Woods went to the practice ground to hit two bags of balls in semi darkness. Then he spoke to the media. Did he need to hit those balls? "I can always get better," he replied. Mr Woods generally says the right thing.

He is seven under par for the par fives so far, which is hardly surprising since he reached the 500 yard 15th with a wedge for a second successive day. On this occasion, however, his almost mandatory eagle came at the 13th which he reduced to a three wood, eight iron and 20 foot putt (Montgomerie hit driver, four iron and chipped to two feet).

Indeed the explosive nature of Woods's talent was exemplified by his play around the middle of the back nine. From the short 12th he went 3-3-3-4-3 - par, eagle, birdie, birdie, par. "I felt very comfortable with my game today." I'll bet he did, particularly as he walked towards drives that averaged 336.5 yards.

He and Montgomerie will be playing together today. It's an interesting challenge for the Scot, who will patiently wait for mistakes from Mr Woods. One suspects he may have a long wait.