With a nine-shot lead, what else does Tiger Woods look to except records?

On Saturday, he got the mark for the largest 54-hole lead (nine strokes) and best score (15-under) and now sets his sights on the tournament record, 17-under-par 271, which is held by Jack Nicklaus (1965) and Raymond Floyd (1976). He needs a 2-under-par 70 to tie the record and a 69 to break it.

``My record's held up for 32 years,'' Nicklaus said. ``Raymond's held up for 21 years. (Woods) has got a good shot at it now. And the golf course is a lot tougher now than it was then.''

Nicklaus shot 67-71-64-69 in 1965. Floyd shot 65-66-70-70 in 1976.

Nicklaus said that Woods' ability to overpower Augusta National is a big factor.

``At this point, as far ahead as he is, he maybe slips a little bit,'' Nicklaus said. ``And maybe he hits one or two in the water, but he's not going to hit all his wedges in the water. And that's what he's hitting. He's taking this golf course apart.''

Another factor is Woods' mindset.

``I think he's just going to go out and he'll probably try to increase his lead,'' Nicklaus said. ``He could play terribly tomorrow and still not shoot a bad score.''

There is one historical footnote, however. Woods led the NCAA by nine strokes at The Honors Course in Chattanooga, Tenn., last year, shot 80 and won by four.

Masters Records

1. RECORD SET

Largest lead after three rounds:

1997: Tiger Woods - 9 strokes

1976: Ray Floyd - 8 strokes

RECORD IN SIGHT

Widest margin of victory:

1965: Jack Nicklaus - 9 strokes

1976: Ray Floyd - 8 strokes

2. RECORD SET

Best score after 54 holes:

1997: Tiger Woods - 201

1976: Ray Floyd - 201

RECORD IN SIGHT

Best score after 72 holes:

1965: Jack Nicklaus - 271 (67-71-64-69)

1976: Ray Floyd - 271 (65-66-70-70)

3. RECORD SET

Low middle 36 holes:

1997: Tiger Woods - 131 (66-65)

1986: Nick Price - 132

RECORDS IN SIGHT

Low final 36 holes:

1975: Johnny Miller - 131 (71-65-66)

Low final 54 holes:

1976: Ray Floyd - 201 (65-66-70)

4. RECORD SET

Youngest 54-hole leader:

Woods (21 years, 3 months, 15 days old today)

Seve Ballesteros (23 years, 3 days) in 1980

RECORD IN SIGHT

Youngest champion:

Seve Ballesteros (23 years, 4 days) in 1980

5. Other records in sight:

Consecutive holes Par or better:

43, Ben Hogan, 1947

Woods stands at 33 entering today's play. He has one bogey in his last 45 holes, that being at No. 3 on Friday.

Subpar totals for Par 5 holes:

15 under, Greg Norman, 1995

Woods stands at 10 under entering today's final round.