FedEx Cup points leader Tiger Woods will begin Saturday's third round at the PGA TOUR playoffs' opening event, The Barclays, trailing by three shots behind leaders Nick Watney and Sergio Garcia.
Woods was in obvious discomfort as he walked around gingerly throughout the day and grimaced in pain after several tee shots. He managed a 2-under 69 on the par 71 Black Course at Bethpage State Park that included two bogeys and four birdies on the day.
His playing partner, world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, didn't fare as well and struggled to a 2-over 73 on the day. He would finish at even par through two rounds, narrowly making the cut, which was at +1.
Woods, the former world No. 1 and current world No. 3, battled lower back issues throughout the day but managed to fight through the injury enough to remain within striking distance of the leaders.
Woods will tee off at 1:05 p.m. ET and will be paired with Englishman Gary Christian during Saturday's third round.
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