Tiger Woods poised for the weekend

The eye of the Tiger took on a new meaning at Carnoustie as Tiger Woods battled hayfever and the course in the Open.

The 23-year-old world number one found the symptoms of hayfever almost as hard to handle as the fearsome course itself as he posted a second-round 72 for a four-over total of 146.

"I take a prescription medicine for the hayfever before I play," said Woods, who at least did not have to resort to sticking paper up his nose to stop it running like fellow sufferer Jesper Parnevik.

"Plus on top of that, anyone who wears contact lenses, being out there in that kind of wind is not exactly the easiest thing in the world. My eyes are pretty sore."

Nevertheless Woods found himself well up on the leaderboard as Carnoustie refused to relinquish its stranglehold on the world's best golfers.

A cautious approach was behind Woods' headcover on his driver only being taken off twice over the last two days.

"I'm in very good shape at four over," said Woods, who trailed surprise leader Jean Van De Velde by three shots.

"As of right now I'm only three shots back and looking pretty good. You're going to hit clubs you don't normally hit, you have to be very inventive and creative and I always enjoy that.

"You have to use your repertoire of shots and not be afraid to go ahead and trust your instincts."