“That was probably one of the greatest rounds I’ve ever played,” said Perry said, who made it through Friday without a single bogey. “I just didn’t have any nerves. I was so comfortable out there today. I don’t know how to explain it. But it was just easy.”

It was easy enough for Todd Hamilton, the former British Open champion who has had only two top 10s since his victory at Royal Troon five years ago. In his final year of eligibility at the Masters, he had a 70 and was in fourth place at 6-under 138.

Kim was in the group at 4-under 140 that included Garcia and Jim Furyk (74), while Mickelson’s late rally put him in a tie for 11th at 141 along with Geoff Ogilvy (70), Steve Stricker (69) and 46-year-old Vijay Singh (70).

“I haven’t been making 11 birdies in two days, so to make 11 in one day is pretty special,” said the 23-year-old Kim, regarded as the next American star in golf. “And obviously, to do it at Augusta is amazing. Hopefully, I can build off that, and if I keep the putter hot, I like my chances here.”

Padraig Harrington’s hopes of a third straight major took a dive with a 73, leaving him seven shots behind. Not only was he crushed by seeing four putts spin around the lip, the Irishman was assessed a one-shot penalty on the 15th hole when a gust moved his ball after he had grounded his putter.

He was tied with Woods, and not about to give up — not this year, on this golf course.

“Here at Augusta, it is not a big deal to be seven behind,” Harrington said. “There are a number of players under par and we’re expecting a tougher challenge over the weekend.”

The cut was at 1-over 145, the lowest since Augusta National went through its first big overhaul to lengthen the golf course.

Among those going home were Ernie Els and Fred Couples for the second straight year, Adam Scott and two of the teenagers — 17-year-old Ryo Ishikawa and 18-year-old Danny Lee, the U.S. Amateur who will turn pro on Monday.

Perry already was looking forward to this month upon learning that he and his father will be honorary marshals during the week of the Kentucky Derby.

“Hopefully, I can wear the green jacket while I’m doing all that,” he said.

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