Tiger Woods ended a turbulent Saturday, both on and off the golf course, close enough to the leaders at the Masters but will have to negotiate uncharted territory in his bid to win a 15th major title.

Never before has the American triumphed at a major when trailing after the third round, though the frontrunners will be well aware of his huge comfort level at a venue where he has already claimed four green jackets.

"I'm right there in the ball game," world No 1 Woods said after shooting a two-under 70 on a tricky day for scoring at a sun-baked, fast-running Augusta National.

"As of right now I'm four back with a great shot to win this championship."

However, Woods very nearly had no shot to win the 77th Masters after being investigated by officials for an illegal penalty drop he took at the par-five 15th during Friday's second round.

Because that investigation began before Woods had completed the round, disqualification was ruled out as a sanction but he was slapped with a two-stroke penalty after committee chairman Fred Ridley spoke to him earlier on Saturday.

Reuters

(China Daily 04/15/2013 page24)