Woods, Haas share lead at Tour Championship

ATLANTA -- What used to be routine felt like a novelty to Tiger Woods.

After four straight birdies on his way to a 5-under 65 at East Lake, the former No. 1 player in the world was introduced Saturday as one of the 54-hole leaders in the Tour Championship.

Woods raised his cap in mock celebration, and for good reason.

It's been more than a year since he has been in this position.

"I think I've made steady progress," said Woods, who has only one victory this year and lost his No. 1 ranking two months ago to Vijay Singh.

Woods was tied with 50-year-old Jay Haas, who recovered from two early bogeys for a 68. They were at 9-under 201 and will be paired together Sunday, two close friends born 22 years apart who haven't won in a while.

Woods has gone 19 stroke-play tournaments without winning -- his longest drought since turning pro in 1996. Haas has gone 11 years and 276 tournaments since his last victory, the 1993 Texas Open.

"I definitely won't be the favorite tomorrow," Haas said. "But what he does shouldn't affect what I do."

Retief Goosen had the lead until he failed to save par from two bunkers on the back nine. He shot 69 and was four shots behind, along with Mike Weir (67) and Stephen Ames (70).

Singh's bid to finish the year with 10 victories -- the most since Sam Snead won 11 times in 1954 -- crashed with a round of 70 that left him 11 shots back.