Goosen makes late push

European number one Retief Goosen today made the first significant move up the leaderboard in the final round of the 67th US Masters.

Goosen began the day three over par for the tournament and eight shots off the lead held by Jeff Maggert, although that was only four shots off Tiger Woods in fifth place.

The South African finished second to Woods at Augusta last year after going into the final round tied with the world number one, and had not given up hope of another high finish if he could set an early target.

Three birdies in the first five holes this afternoon quickly lifted Goosen to level par and a share of eighth place, alongside compatriot Ernie Els.

Els had matched Goosen’s birdie on the first to move to level par, five behind Maggert and just one behind Woods.

Els looked out of contention after an opening round of 79, three worse than Woods, but hit back superbly with a second round 66 and was unlucky to only shoot a third round 72.

After already carding an eagle two on the seventh, Els hit a brilliant approach to the 14th which pitched inches left of the hole, but then span back off the front of the green and led to a bogey five.

The world number two then hit a massive drive on the par five 15th but found the water in front of the green for the second day running, and this time was unable to salvage par.

Woods was yet to begin his final round as he sought to capture an unprecedented third straight Masters title.

The 27-year-old carded a third round 66 yesterday to climb from a share of last place to joint fifth on one under par.

The world number one had been 11 shots off the lead at halfway after having to save par from a greenside bunker on the final hole of his second round simply to make the cut on five over par.

Six birdies and no bogeys later and Woods was ominously placed on the leaderboard and poised to complete possibly the greatest comeback ever.

“This tournament we all know anything can happen on the back nine, you just have to get yourself in position,” Woods said. “Even four back that’s not inconceivable.

“It makes me assured that I’ve done it here before. I know how to win a major championship and that’s something that means a lot.”

Only two players have had the chance to claim three consecutive green jackets, Jack Nicklaus missing the cut in his attempt in 1967, and Nick Faldo finishing joint 12th, five shots behind winner Ian Woosnam, in 1991.

Woods has made a habit of creating history however, and a ninth major title on Sunday would see him break another handful of records.

Craig Stadler’s 75 in 1982 is the previous highest first round score by a winner. Woods shot 76.

No champion has ever made the cut by such a narrow margin and gone on to win either. Art Wall in 1959 came closest to missing the cut, by two shots, but went on to claim victory.

The biggest comeback after 36 holes belongs to Jackie Burke who trailed by eight before winning the 1956 Masters. Woods was 11 shots behind.