Masters 2010: Tiger Woods' Second Round Was Nothing Short of Masterful

After five months of controversy, everyone wondered how Woods would respond in his first competitive golf event.

This year's Masters is perhaps the most anticipated golf event in Tiger Woods' entire career. Woods more than answered the call, posting a 68 yesterday, the best first round he has ever had at Augusta.

But, it was an historically easy day yesterday. Due to fears of bad weather, tees were moved up, and the pin locations were noticeably easier. But the weather never really affected play, so the course was easy as it ever has been.

Today was a much more difficult day, a day Tiger's 70 today was more impressive than his 68 yesterday.

After the round, Tiger compared his opening round to today's second round:

"I felt more comfortable because I was hitting the ball better and I was putting better, even though I didn't shoot as low a score. I think that's a factor of the conditions. But I played—I feel like I have more control of the golf ball today from tee‑to‑green and I hit putts right on my lines. That's something I wasn't doing yesterday.

"Today I hit a lot of good putts. I made my share. Conditions were so much more difficult today. As you can see the scores, guys are not tearing this place apart like they were yesterday. 30 guys were under par yesterday, and that's not going to be the case today."

For Woods, there was no second round slump. Woods had three birdies, one bogey, and fourteen pars. He now sits at six-under, just two shots back from Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.

Considering all of the pressure that was on him, and what he has been through the last five months, this was his most impressive first half performance at Augusta ever.

In his press conference, Tiger, affable and smiling, summed up his feelings heading into the final two rounds:

"It feels good to be back and in contention."

Yes it does.

With two American crowd favorites, Tiger and Mickelson, lurking just two shots back from the leaders, it promises to be a compelling final two days.

Woods tees off at 2:35 Eastern Standard Time, and will be paired with K.J. Choi.