DORAL, Fla. » Tiger Woods set a personal best with 17 birdies over two rounds on the Blue Monster. What mattered more to him was a two-shot lead going into the weekend at the Cadillac Championship.

On a leaderboard packed with golf’s biggest names, Woods seized control with six birdies in an eight-hole stretch around the turn. That carried him to a 7-under 65, two shots clear of former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell (67).

A birdie-birdie finish by McDowell prevented a dream final group — Woods and Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson, sparked by a visit to Augusta National earlier this week, had a 67 and joined Steve Stricker (67) three shots out of the lead.

Rory McIlroy showed signs of turning the corner with a 69, his first round under par this year.