AP
Tiger came up with a couple of key par saves early on in his second round.
The No. 1-ranked Woods attracted another enormous gallery, which measured 10-deep on many holes. It's his first trip to Australia since the 1998 Presidents Cup.
A late starter with Craig Parry and defending champion Rod Pampling, Woods began the second round tied for the lead with James Nitties and Branden Grace at 6-under.
Woods quickly pulled ahead with birdies at the par-5 first and par-4 second holes. He climbed to 3-under on the side with a 17-foot birdie putt at the par-4 sixth. After pars at seven and eight, Woods made a nice save at the par-4 ninth, overcoming a poor drive by sinking a 10-foot putt to make the turn in 3-under 33.
After pars at 10 and 11, Woods birdied the 12th hole -- his fifth consecutive birdie on the par-5s. Unable to reach the green in two, he played a nice third shot seven feet left of the hole and knocked in the putt.
A poor second shot at the par-5 14th found a bunker 100 yards short of the green. Woods blasted to the front of the green and faced a long birdie putt, leaving it 10 feet short of the hole. But he managed to make the par putt to retain the lead.
At the par-3 15th, the signature hole on the course, Woods hit a beautiful tee shot 12 feet left of the hole and left his birdie attempt one revolution short. He gave himself another great chance at the par-4 16th but couldn't convert from six feet.
Woods hit his approach shot at the par-4 17th just over the back of the putting surface, the ball refusing to check up. After backing off his birdie putt due to camera noise, he two-putted for a par. Woods also two-putted the par-4 18th from 25 feet, then tipped his cap to the appreciative crowd.
The event marks the fourth straight tournament in which Woods has led or shared the lead after 36 holes.