They’re six and eight shots off the pace respectively but Adam Scott and Tiger Woods haven’t given up on the green jacket just yet.
Scott bounced back from an opening round 75 with a second round 70 on Friday to finish one-over par at the halfway point, six shots off veteran Fred Couples and fellow American Jason Dufner.
Woods backed up a scratchy opening round 72 with a much worse 75, punctuated by wild swings and temper tantrums.
But both men believe they can still find their way back into the mix.
“The leaders haven’t gone deep but there is going to be the opportunity too on the weekend,” Scott said.
“Most of the tough pins have been used and the feeder pins sitting right at the honey pot are to come.
“It’s a fine line between good and bad but maybe I’ve got 36 really solid holes in me.”
For Scott the major problem this year has been on the greens with five separate three-putts in his opening two rounds proving costly.
“I haven’t read the greens as well this year. Not many of my putts are starting on a line with a look to go in and last year I felt like everything was.
“I’m just a little bit off and that’s not good around here. It makes you look silly sometimes.”
Woods hit just seven of 18 greens in regulation and eight of 15 fairways but said he could still fight back and win a 15th major.
“I understand how to grind it out, and the tournament is not over,” he said.
“Last year I think on the final round I made up seven shots. I can do this.
“I’ve just got to be patient. Obviously I’ve got to cut that deficit down tomorrow with a good, solid round and then got off to a quick start on the front nine on Sunday and see where that puts me.”