Jose Maria Olazabal has his putter working again, just in time for what is expected to be a weekend of harder and faster greens in the Masters Tournament.

The two-time Masters champion from Spain caught fire on the back nine of the Augusta National Golf Club on Friday, touring the side in 4-under-par 32 to end the day with a 68. He struck for birdies on Nos. 11, 13, 14 and 15 to set up his lowest round since a 66 in the second round of the 1999 Masters. He happened to win that year.

At 6-under-par 138, the 35-year-old Olazabal trails leader Chris DiMarco by four shots.

The difference between this year and 2000, when he was the defending champion, has been Olazabal's putter. He needed 27 putts Thursday and 28 Friday for a total of 55. He had 66 putts through two rounds in 2000, which is why he shot 72-77 and missed the cut by a shot.

With a forecast that calls for brisker winds of 12-18 mph today, the greens will continue to dry out from the midweek rain and pick up speed.

``The tougher the golf course, it will select more of the players that can win the tournament,'' Olazabal said. ``Both years I won here (1994 and 1999), there were tough weather conditions and the golf course was playing really hard and firm.

``But you still have to play the game,'' Olazabal said. ``You still have to hit the shots and hit them well and put them in the right position, and then make the putts.''

There's no reason to think Olazabal won't continue his strong play. He has struck for 11 birdies against five bogeys through two rounds.

Even Olazabal's driving, historically the weakest part of his game, has shown signs of improvement. He's hit nine of 14 fairways in both rounds.

``I truly believe that I'm on the right path to improve that area of my game,'' Olazabal said. ``I have been working at it. It has not been great. I'm still uncomfortable with many of the changes I'm working on, but hopefully, it will pay off.''

Olazabal has had a love affair with the Augusta National since his debut as an amateur in 1985. In addition to two victories, he's the leading career money-winner with $1,508,420. His scoring average coming into this year's tournament was 71.74, second to Phil Mickelson's 71.67 for golfers with 25 to 49 rounds.

``I know the first time I put a foot on this course, I was really impressed with how nice the golf course was,'' Olazabal said. ``And all through these years, even though the golf course has been changed, I still like the place.

``I mean, it's great to be here,'' Olazabal said. ``Obviously, I won twice here, and that makes it even more special. I do have great memories around this golf course, and maybe that helps too.''

He said it is the combination of the tournament and the venue that makes the Masters what it is.

``Both things go together,'' Olazabal said. ``The golf course is excellent, and we play here every year. If you move this championship to another golf course, most probably you wouldn't have the same effect.''