World No.1 Tiger Woods is preparing for a tougher test on Saturday as the third round of the Australian Masters gets underway at Kingston Heath.

Woods will take a three-shot lead over the field into the weekend, but knows he cannot afford to be aggressive with the greens quickening and the winds set to swirl.

The American has fired rounds of 66-68 to be 10 under the card, leading from compatriot Jason Dufner and Australians Greg Chalmers and James Nitties.

Woods said the course on Friday was a lot faster and trickier than during Thursday’s opening round when he played in relatively calm conditions.

He has made just one bogey in his two rounds and in the second round saved several clutch par putts.

He hit his driver from the tee five times and each time paid a small price but overall veered away from a trademark attack.

Woods described Kingston Heath as a course he loves because he has to think his way around it and penalties lie in wait for those who go astray.

Victorian star Stuart Appleby, who lost his full playing rights on the US Tour this year, made a welcome return to form, shooting rounds of 69-70 to be five under the card.

But World No.12 Geoff Ogilvy struggled to be one over par for the tournament.

© AAP 2012

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