Despite struggling to get to grips with changeable winds that firmed up Kingston Heath’s greens, Woods looked at home on the course, even though his first experience of it was a nine-hole practice on Tuesday.

The 14-time major champion had to cope with some wayward driving in the middle of the round, his tee-shots bouncing off spectators cramming the fairways on two occasions.

However, he was able to conjure up some trademark recovery shots that helped him saved par.

With hot northerly winds forecast for today, Woods is likely to find the Kingston Heath greens a much tougher proposition at the weekend.

“I’m going to have to really hit the ball well, and on top of that really manage the game well on these greens because they are going to start to get a little more spring to them,” he said.

Australia’s Adam Scott (142) failed to convert birdie chances and was eight shots behind Woods at the halfway mark, while former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy battled to hit greens in regulation and is a further three back (145).

Stuart Appleby, coming off an indifferent season on the U.S. PGA Tour, is five behind Woods after posting a two-under 70.

Former U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand and Scotsman Andrew Coltart were among those who will miss the weekend’s action after the cut was set at three-over-par 147.