The only difference for Tiger Woods between Saturday and Sunday in Tulsa will be his playing partner.  Scott Verplank has been replaced by Steven Ames.  Mr Woods is still atop the leaderboard, his lead three shots.

For his pursuers there is this grim reality, Mr. Woods has never lost a major when leading after 36 holes.  He has never lost anywhere in the world when holding more than a one shot lead entering the final round.  Gulp.

"I’ve always enjoyed being out in front," said Woods, who was at 7-under 203. "And hopefully, tomorrow I can go ahead and play the way I’ve been playing the last few days."  It will be the third time he’s played in the final group at a major this year, but the only time when leading.

For the man who judges the quality of his season by the number of majors he wins this is his final chance to make 2007 meaningful.  "I’ve always said in order to have a great year you have to win a major championship," he said. "You can win every tournament, but the majors are where it’s at. And this year, I’ve had some opportunities to deal with this. I haven’t done it. I’m in good shape going into tomorrow and hopefully, I can get it done."

Mr. Woods began his round having to save par on two of the first three holes.  On the fourth Scott Verplank, who started two shots behind, pulled within a single shot after trickling in a birdie from 8 feet.  Mr. Woods dropped his six foot birdie putt right on top of him.  Walking to the fifth tee, Verplank smirked and said, "That guy makes everything."  The lead was as many as five shots until the 14th, where Mr. Woods suffered his first bogey in 24 holes. 

The only low rounds Saturday were in the morning.  Boo Weekley had an opportunity to match Mr. Woods 63 when he teed off on the 18th hole, but three putted from 45 feet for a 65.  Mr. Weekley was Sergio Garcia who signed an incorrect scorecard, perhaps out of frustration, and was disqualified. 

At the end of the day only five players were still under par.  Besides Mr. Woods and Mr. Ames,  Woody Austin is at 3 under par and lost his chance to play in the final group when he bogeyed 18 for a 69.  Another shot back is John Senden, who also had a 69.  "You recognize him as the world’s No. 1, and him having the lead … it’s a tough ask to go out there and compete with him because you respect how good he is," Senden said. "I have to continue on what I have to do best, and if that’s good enough to beat Tiger Woods, well, fantastic."  The final player under par is Ernie Els.  "The statistics will tell you, yes, it is over," Els said after a 69 left him six shots behind. "But as a competitor, I can’t sit there and tell you it’s over. I can’t ever do that."

Hardly confident statements. The best quote of the day came from Aaron Oberholser, "He knows he’s going to win. I think the scary thing is that maybe he knows that you know he’s going to win."

As for Mr. Ames, there will be the inevitable reminders of the 2006 Match Play where Mr. Woods came out and dusted him with six straight birdies. Big deal.  Mr. Ames knows he has nothing to lose and everything to gain.  "For me, it’s a great opportunity of being in the situation," he said. "Tiger’s going for his 13th. I’m looking for my first." 

As for me, I’m thinking along the lines of Mr Els, who, when asked if he were watching from his house and not as a competitor: "If I was not a golfer — a fan on the couch — I’d be putting my house on him, yeah," .  I haven’t checked the book, but I’m thinking if Ernie bet the house he might win enough to add a garage.  Once again, Sunday afternoon will be fun to watch.