Tiger Woods roared into contention at the Masters at Augusta National but narrowly avoided injury when an over-eager security guard slipped and almost sent him sprawling during his second round.
Woods, seeking a first major since 2008, carded a four-under 68 on Friday to put him six under par overall, just one shot behind of group of five leaders heading into the weekend.
But while Woods played some glorious shots on the hallowed course in Georgia, the 14-time major winner almost came a cropper to a security guard at the event.
On his approach shot to the 14th green, Woods sent a drive down the right, forcing him to play close to a group of spectators.
After playing his shot, eager fans rushed forward to check the lie of the ball, followed by equally keen security staff who were attempting to keep the crowds at bay.
One guard slipped on the soggy turf amid the rush to the contain the fans, sliding into Woods’ right heel and appearing to make slight contact.
Woods hopped forwards before taking a few ginger steps, although avoiding serious injury.
The US golfer went on to card a birdie as part of his round of 68, which sees him well-placed in second at the half-way stage.
"Accidents happen, we move on," Woods later said. "Other than having four knee surgeries and four back surgeries I'm great.
"It's all good. I've had galleries run over me before. When you play in front of a lot of people things happen."
The relieved security guard culprit, meanwhile, told golf.com: “Well, he made birdie, so I guess it all worked out. Man, I am really glad he made birdie.”
Woods, 43, is enjoying a remarkable renaissance after many feared persistent injury had ended the career of one of the sport’s all-time great.
His form at Augusta, where he last won in 2005, has drawn big support from the crowds, with large numbers following his every move.
Woods would be a popular winner should he build on his impressive start, but faces a Master leaderboard as crammed as it has ever been, with dozens of players with four shots of the lead.
Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy lies on level par, while US superstar Jordan Spieth sits on one under.
The lead is shared on seven under par by in-form Italian Francesco Molinari, as well as Brooks Koepka of the US, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, and Jason Day and Adam Scott of Australia.
World number one Justin Rose is out of contention, however, ending on four over and missing the cut.