JOIN USWoods, co-leader overnight, made two of his four birdies in his first two holes to take the outright lead, then held firm with six successive pars to finish with a 10-under total of 134 in bright sunshine at Kingston Heath Golf Club.
The American's patience was in marked contrast to his nearest challengers, who threatened at times but crumbled with bogeys late on as the wind picked up in the afternoon.
Australian James Nitties, who shared a one-stroke lead with Woods and South Africa's Branden Grace overnight, was first to mount a challenge, clawing within a stroke with his third birdie on the par-five 14th.
Australia's Adam Scott (142) failed to convert birdie chances and was eight shots behind Woods at the halfway mark, while former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy battled to hit greens in regulation and is a further three back (145).
Stuart Appleby, coming off an indifferent season on the US PGA Tour, is five behind Woods after posting a two-under 70.
Former US Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand and Scotsman Andrew Coltart were among those who will miss the weekend's action after the cut was set at three-over-par 147.
Leading scores (round two, Australians unless specified): 134: Tiger Woods (US, 66, 68); 137: Greg Chalmers (68, 69), Jason Dufner (US, 70, 67), James Nitties (66, 71); 138: Mathew Goggin (68, 70), Ashley Hall (69, 69); Manuel Villegas (Col, 70, 68); 139: Stuart Appleby (69, 70); Steven Bowditch (71, 68); Mahal Pearce (NZ, 71, 68); Cameron Percy (67, 72); Bernd Wiesberger (Atr, 72, 67); 140: Scott Laycock (72, 68), Peter Nolan (68, 72), Wade Ormsby (71, 69).