Tiger improves in Round 2 at The Open, but still misses cut

Tiger Woods played significantly better on Friday at the Open Championship, but the three-time winner's round of 70 won't be enough for him to play the weekend at Royal Portrush.

Woods put himself in a major hole with an opening-round 78, and despite converting four birdies on Friday to finish at 6-over after Round 2, it doesn't appear he'll make the projected cut of 1-over par.

The 43-year-old seemed healthier and more energetic than in Thursday's round, after which the 15-time major champ said he was sore and needing treatment. Woods curled in a birdie on Friday's first hole, which was a welcome sight considering he made just one throughout his entire opening round.

The good vibes continued with another birdie on No. 6, but a bogey on the par-5 seventh saw Woods finish the opening nine with a 1-under 35. Back-to-back birdies to start the closing stretch offered hope for a run toward the cutline, but the Masters champion couldn't muster anything further in cold and damp conditions.

It was a round that provided signs of encouragement after Thursday's debacle. But in the end, Woods will miss the cut for just the third time in 21 starts at The Open.