Deutsche Bank Round One: Advantage Tiger Woods as Ernesto storms into town

Probably the most influential character in Saturday’s second round doesn’t even play golf. Tropical storm Ernesto might have been downgraded to a mere depression, but that’s still too stormy by far for the poor saps going out in the afternoon.

“What I heard is two inches of rain coming. Guys are going to get hammered in the afternoon.” That was Tiger Woods speaking Friday. I couldn’t see if a smile was creasing his face, but as luck would have it - again - he’s off in the morning and looking to have 36 holes tucked securely under his belt before much of the nasty stuff hits.

It certainly puts the pressure on Adam Scott and Vijay Singh, who both go in the afternoon after stuttering to a measly one under on Friday.

Apart from likely wind problems, the rain is going to make the course play a whole lot longer. Although driving accuracy had the edge on Friday, its likely to be a clear advantage to the bombers over the next two days.

But basically it’s down to Tiger’s stamina and powers of concentration again. His tee shots were going every which way Friday, but he was saved by a benign rough, some exceptional iron play and impressive putting. He went odds on before even the turn for home. In the circumstances all I can do is note that he fired a better first round last year and (perhaps a trifle unconvincingly) whistle a happy tune.

But I would also refer you to the PGA Tour’s “By the numbers” blog, which illustrates just how much Tiger has raised his game to a new level since the US Open.