Darren Clarke achieved his first objective today as he continued his search for the form he hopes will help Europe win back the Ryder Cup next week.
The Tyroneman was no longer in last place after nine holes of his third round in the American Express World Championship at Mount Juliet.
Clarke's opening rounds of 75 and 76 left him seven over par at the halfway stage of the €5 million event and a massive 21 strokes behind leader Tiger Woods.
There was no hope of him getting back into the hunt for the million dollars first prize, but by going to the turn in a one-under 35 the 34-year-old had at least climbed above New Zealander Craig Perks, winner of the Players' Championship in Florida in March.
After a bogey at the 424-yard second Clarke came back with birdies at the third and eighth.
He was totally mystified by his first two rounds, having put in far more hours practising than usual in a bid to hone his game for The Belfry.
"I'd have been better having a couple of pints than going to the range," he said. "I've not played as bad as that for probably five years.
"I've had a cold all week, but that's no excuse whatsoever."
Caddie Billy Foster, a good golfer himself, even joked that he was thinking of handing the bag to his boss and hitting the shots himself.
Colin Montgomerie considered himself out of contention as well at two under and his mind was also turning to next week.
There has been no mention from him so far this week of any more back trouble - he thinks enough has been said - and a birdie at the second set him off in the right frame of mind.
Woods led by two from Jerry Kelly after his two course-record rounds of 65, with two more Americans - Ryder Cup team-mate David Toms and Steve Lowery - one further behind.
Leading European was Worthing's Gary Evans on nine under. He was lying joint sixth.