It meant the world number one would have to do something he has never managed before to retain his title, namely come from behind in the final round of a major, having either led or shared the lead in all his previous six wins.

And the odds on him doing that lengthened almost immediately when he dropped a shot at the opening hole, going through the back of the green, chipping to three feet and missing the putt.

At level par Woods was now six behind joint leaders David Duval, Alex Cejka, Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer but some hope for the defending champion came in the shape of compatriot Davis Love.

Love was demonstrating what was still possible on another good day for scoring as he raced to the turn in 30, equalling Colin Montgomerie’s best of the week from the first round.

The former USPGA champion’s front nine even included a bogey at the third with birdies at the second and fourth followed by four in a row from the sixth to move Love to four under par and just two shots off the lead.