A suffocating heat wasn’t Tiger Woods’ main obstacle Friday at the CIMB Classic.
No, it was trying to keep pace with red-hot leader Robert Garrigus.
On another steamy afternoon that featured light winds and preferred lies, Woods took advantage of all three par 5s and carded a second-round 67 to stay in the mix in Malaysia. At 9-under 133 through two rounds at Mines Golf Club, Woods was in a tie for fifth, five shots behind Garrigus (64).
''I feel good about it,'' Woods said. ''I've just got to go out there and make a bunch of birdies. The golf course can be had, especially if we have ball in hand like we did today.
''It's wet. It's a little bit muddy ... (but) it can be had out there. I just have to get after it tomorrow, where at least I have a chance going into Sunday.''
Tiger Tracker: Day 2 of the CIMB Classic
CIMB Classic Round 2 scores
On Friday, the world No. 2 wasn’t even the low man in his group. That distinction went to diminutive South African Jbe’ Kruger, who made eight birdies and shot 64 while playing alongside Woods for the first time in his career. He is now alone in second.
''I think playing with (Woods) definitely made me concentrate a bit harder,'' Kruger said. ''That is one thing I've been lacking the last couple of months, so I think I want to play with him every day.''
Woods said after the first round that it would take something around 20 under par to win this event. Garrigus has his sights set even lower.
''I'm going to try to get to 30 (under par) if I can, if that's possible,'' Garrigus said.
''No disrespect to anybody on the PGA Tour, they're all great players, but I feel like I can beat anybody in the world.''
Golf Channel coverage of Round 3 of the CIMB Classic begins at 10 p.m. ET.