Woods, the US Presidents Cup playing captain, began the day six shots behind overnight leaders Patrick Reed and Gary Woodland.

After reaching the turn at one under for his round, the former World No.1 turned it up with an eagle and three birdies over a sizzling six-hole stretch on the back nine.

The bogey-free, six-under-par 66 matched Reed and Jon Rahm for the day's low score and left him in a share of fifth place with Justin Thomas (69) and Rickie Fowler (69).

"I'm right there," Woods said. "At least I've got a chance going into the weekend."

RIGHT: Woods is six shots behind Reed heading into the weekend in The Bahamas. PHOTO: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images.

He is six shots behind Reed, who holds the outright lead after the second round at the Albany Golf Club.

Reed, Masters champion of 2018, fired his second consecutive six-under-par 66 to sit three shots clear of Woodland (69) in the 18-man exhibition event.

Defending champion Rahm (66) and Swede Henrik Stenson (67) were a further shot back in a share of third place.

The tournament began a day earlier than usual to accommodate golfers travelling to next week's Presidents Cup in Australia and the field included all but one member of the 12-player US team that will compete at Royal Melbourne.

US Open champion Woodland was at even par on the day after 15 holes but capped his round in style with three consecutive birdies.

Reed's only blemish came at the par-4 16th where he made bogey but the American recovered with a par-birdie finish to wrap up his round in style.