Tiger Woods ended a turbulent Saturday, both on and off the golf course, close enough to the leaders at the Masters but will have to negotiate uncharted territory in his bid to win a 15th major title.

Never before has the American triumphed at a major when trailing after the third round, though the frontrunners will be well aware of his huge comfort level at a venue where he has already claimed four green jackets.

"I'm right there in the ball game," world No 1 Woods said after shooting a two-under 70 on a tricky day for scoring at a sun-baked, fast-running Augusta National.