Tiger Woods and frustrated Rory McIlroy make a cut at Augusta but sit miles behind runaway leader Scheffler

TIGER WOODS and Rory McIlroy must dig deeper than ever as they attempt to write new chapters in golf history.

Both men must closing a huge gap to new world No. 1 Scottie Schefflerthe hottest golfer in the world.

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Scheffler, 25, has become the most dominant player in the game with three wins in his last five starts.

And after taking a five-shot lead halfway through Augusta, it won’t be easy to chase.

forest46, seeking to equal Jack Nicklaus’ record of six Augusta triumphs and to move within two of the Golden Bear’s 18 majors.

He already performed a miracle when he was critically injured just 14 months after a car accident by only making it to the Augusta tee.

If he’s over par, he may have to perform another miracle to don yet another green jacket.

Recovering from a start where he bogeyed four of his first five holes to save a respectable 74 showed that Woods can never be counted out

He’s one shot ahead McIlroymaking his eighth attempt to join Nicklaus, Woods and just three other golfers by completing the career grand slam.

And McIlroy is ready to show he really is a born fighter as he tries to prove he can win the Masters in extremely difficult conditions.

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When push comes to shove, McIlroy has a reputation for being missed, especially when the wind whips around the track, like yesterday at Augusta.

But after a gritty 73 that matched his first-round performance in much easier conditions, McIlroy insisted he was ready for the fight.

He said: “I like it when it gets that tough. I really enjoy the challenge.

“That’s what Major Championship Golf is about. It’s not easy and it’s not meant to be easy. Conditions look pretty similar tomorrow so I’m looking forward to that.

“I still feel like I’m right there. You go out tomorrow and play a decent front nine and suddenly you’re in the middle of the action.”

McIlroy may have been pleased with his performances but the day’s round came from Ryder Cup team-mate Shane Lowry.

If you must stake your life on a player who will step up his game in difficult conditions, 2019 Open champion Lowry is your man – as he showed with a brilliant four under par 68 to boost his chances of a double’s title Increase major champions.