The common phrase this year — “Tiger’s back” — took on a new meaning Friday at The Barclays.

Woods felt a twinge in his lower back when he awoke and felt pain throughout the second round at Bethpage Black. He managed to overcome a bogey-bogey start and get within range of Nick Watney and the resurgent Sergio Garcia.

Garcia, who won last week for his first PGA Tour win in four years, had a 68. Watney had a 69, giving him a share of the 36-hole lead and a chance to salvage a dismal year.

They were at 8-under 134.

Woods had a 69 and was three shots out of the lead going into the weekend, where some two dozen players were separated by only five shots.