Woods shares lead at Wyndham midway

Tiger Woods continued his quest for a first title in two years with a 65 to share the halfway lead at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina.

it is the first time Woods has led an event after 36 holes since the 2013 WGC Bridgestone, his last title to date.

The 39-year-old has slipped to 286 in the world rankings but carded five birdies and an eagle to reach 11 under. He shares the lead with 26-year-old Tom Hoge, in his first full season on the PGA Tour, who followed a 62 with a 67.

Woods, who shot a 64 on Thursday, opened round two with a three-putt to bogey the first hole but hit some impressive irons, a six-iron at the 235-yard par-three 12th finishing three feet from the flag.

Then at the par-five 15th he struck a three-iron over water to within 10 feet to set up an eagle.

“I’ve been close for a few months now. I have had it going at times but this has been way more consistent,” said Woods.

US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love is only one behind the leaders, the 51-year-old returning a 66 on an ideal morning for low scoring. A further shot back is Brandt Snedeker, the 2007 champion, who posted nine birdies to equal the course record of 61.

Woods frustrated at slow progress to regain form

Tiger Woods says it is taking longer than expected to regain his best form. The former world number one and 14-time major winner has dropped to 266th in the rankings following back surgery and changes to his swing.

This year Woods, 39-year-old, has also missed the cut in successive majors – the US Open and The Open – for the first time.

The American, who has not won a major since 2008, has missed the cut in three of his eight starts this year and his best result came when he finished tied for 17th at the US Masters.

Woods will host this week’s US PGA National at the par-71 Robert Trent Jones Gold Club in Gainesville, Virginia. Great Britain’s Justin Rose will also be in action at the event where he is the defending champion.