Tiger Woods carded an "erratic" three-under-par 67 and shared the lead with fellow American Steve Pate after the second round at the $3 million GTE Byron Nelson Classic in Irving, Texas yesterday.

But breathing down their necks was Spanish teenager Sergio Garcia, who showed he is the real deal to remain just one stroke behind.

But even with Woods in the lead, it was Garcia who again stole the limelight in just his second tournament as a professional, his first in the US.

"It's a very good round in today's conditions," said the 19-year-old who doesn't yet have a driver's licence. "There was a lot of wind and it was changing all the time. In these conditions it's really tough to putt."

Woods, who played with Garcia at the US Masters and then again in a practice round on Tuesday, was happy to talk about the Spaniard's game.

"He's more prepared at a younger age than I was," said Woods.