Woods scrapes through at Torrey Pines

Tiger Woods says he had to work hard to make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open after securing his spot with a final-hole birdie.

The 14-time major winner is playing his first PGA Tour event since his latest back surgery and made a solid start at Torrey Pines, with a level-par 72 on the South Course.

The former world number one followed that up with a one-under 71 in the second round, recovering from an early double bogey to card three birdies on the back nine.

A birdie at the final hole of the day was enough to see the 42-year-old avoid an early exit from an event he has won seven times in the past.

Woods was relieved to still be involved heading into the weekend having pushed himself to remain in contention.

“I just fought hard. That’s something I’ve done my entire career and this is no different,” said Woods.

“It was tough out there and the greens were firm. Some of these pin locations were a little tough to get at. We found it hard to put some numbers up there.

“Some of the guys are going low out there. I saw Jason (Day) ahead of us. He was taking it pretty deep out there. It can be had but, boy, you have got to hit some really good shots.”

Woods finds himself 10 strokes behind leader Ryan Palmer heading into the third round, with the American having shot a five-under 67 to move clear of the rest of the field.

One shot back is defending champion Jon Rahm, who can become world number one with a win, after he carded a 66 while Luke List and Tony Finau are a further stroke behind in third.