That is good news for his rivals as Woods looks set for his sixth consecutive stroke play victory after adding a 64 on Friday to his first round course record 63.

His run of success has included two majors -- the British Open and the USPGA -- plus the WGC event at Akron, Ohio.

He then lost in the first round of the World Matchplay at Wentworth and played five matches in the Ryder Cup at the K Club where he won three points.

The world number one has not looked the worse for wear over the first two days of this tournament but he insists once this event is over he is having a rest.

"I've got a bunch of things to do. I've got to host a party and fundraiser for my foundation and do things for some sponsors," he said.

"I know I'm not going to touch a club for couple of weeks.

"I can't wait to get home and the play-offs in baseball are starting on Tuesday and I'm really looking forward to that."

Woods also believes that the prospect of some time off from the grind of the golf course is spurring him on to great things in England.

He added: "It's always nice when you have light at the end of the tunnel and you can take a break. I'm looking forward to getting away from the game for a little bit."

England's David Howell will set off in pursuit of Woods on Saturday in joint second place with Jim Furyk and Stewart Cink, a daunting five shots behind the leader.

But Howell admitted he has got one eye on his personal battle with Paul Casey to top the European Order of Merit.

Casey's win at Wentworth took him to the head of the table but he has had rounds of 74 and 75 here to lie second from last and Howell can take a huge step towards his first money list win with a good finish.

"It's a big weekend for me," said Howell.

"Paul is struggling, he's obviously had some big weeks recently and maybe this was one too many. But it's up to me put a strong week in and try and catch him. Trying to get back to number one on the Order of Merit is certainly my goal.

"Both of us are delighted to be in the position we're in. One of us is obviously going to fall, and hopefully it's Paul."

Casey is 166,607 euros (211,567 dollars) in front of Howell after collecting one million pounds (1.87 million dollars) at the World Matchplay.

If Howell could somehow overtake Woods this weekend he would take home 1.3 million dollars.