Tiger poised to step into Nicklaus’ shoes

Woods said he wasn’t trying to make the 30-footer, just get it close. Despite his fist-pumping finish, Woods was cautious. "There’s a long way to go. We haven’t even finished the second round yet," he said.

Kirk Triplett was the only player in the clubhouse under par through 36 holes. The American — who in February captured his first title in 10 years on the US PGA Tour — survived a detour to the beach and the loss of a lengthy rules debate to card a second-round 71 for one-under 141. He was one stroke in front of compatriot John Huston, who was in the clubhouse on even-par 142.

Woods’ position as heir apparent to Nicklaus seemed to earn endorsement from nature itself as he remained untouched by the fog and wind that have wreaked havoc on other players’ rounds. Nicklaus, 60 and playing his 44th consecutive US Open on a special exemption from the US Golf Association, staggered to a second-round 82 for a 13-over total of 155.

Only the emotional ovation from the gallery at 18 made the round worthwhile, said Nicklaus, who numbers four US Open titles among his 18 major championships. "I enjoyed the last few holes in spite of what I was shooting," said Nicklaus.

Unlike Woods, Nicklaus was among the 75 players who had to come back early Friday to complete their opening rounds because of fog on Thursday evening. Just when they were ready to tee off at 6:45am, fog blanketed the course and they had to wait another hour and a half. Then the wind came up, and a host of contenders saw their chances of making inroads on par — or Woods — evaporate.

England’s Nick Faldo, winner of two Masters and three British Opens, came to the 14th tee first thing in the morning four-under, but settled for a first-round 69, then carded a 74 for 143. He was joined by current Masters champion Vijay Singh of Fiji (70-73). South African Ernie Els, winner of the US Open in 1994 and 1997, carded a second round 73 for five-over 147, level with Europe’s seven-time money leader Colin Montgomerie. (AFP)