Tour Championship round two: So who's going to come second?

Where’s Rory Sabbatini when you need him? Too far down the table to warrant any provocative remarks about Tiger Woods, that’s for sure. Instead the media, stuck for storylines now that Woods has virtually wrapped up two competitions in the same amazing front nine streak, tried to drum up some offhand remarks by Woody Austin in an attempt to rattle Tiger’s cage.

It didn’t work. For one, Austin as good as admitted that his putting lapses Friday had given Tiger the cushion to go on to victory. Of course, as Woody said, Tiger can be beaten when someone’s up there with him and playing as well - that’s kind of obvious and Phil Mickelson proved it two weeks ago. But Steve Stricker & Co found out last week what its like trying to take on Tiger when he’s on an altogether different planet.

There’s luck in every round of golf, but to hole out blind from a bunker and sink four other birdies and a 70ft putt for eagle for a front nine 28 is simply awesome. The Tour organisers must be happy Tiger’s inability to finish the job down the back stretch left them a fig-leaf of competition.

You hesitate before declaring this event and the FedEx Cup over and done. Three-shot leads have been clawed back before although not generally when Tiger’s in charge. But like any golfer, he can have a bad round.

Lying in the wings are a gaggle of very capable players: besides Austin I’d rate Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia and a rejuvenated K J Choi. But for my money Tiger would have to have a bad round and then some to throw this one away. And on a course playing as easy as East Lake, I just can’t see it happening.