Considering his performance on Thursday and his ability to navigate through a heavy rainfall at Royal Portrush, it seemed inevitable that Scottie Scheffler would eventually take the outright lead.
Scheffler recorded a 64 on Friday during the second round of the British Open, falling just short of tying the course record in Northern Ireland. A birdie attempt at the last hole came up just short. Consequently, the world’s leading golfer secured the solo lead at the tournament’s halfway mark in the final major of the year.
Scheffler achieved eight birdies during the day, matching his personal best in a major tournament. He now holds the distinction of being the first No. 1 ranked golfer to lead the British Open at the midpoint since Tiger Woods accomplished this in 2006. Woods went on to win the Claret Jug that year, a feat Scheffler is yet to achieve.
At the conclusion of play on Thursday night, five golfers shared the lead, including Jacob Skov, Olesen, Haotong Li, Matt Fitzpatrick, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Harris English. Scheffler, who opened with a 68, trailed by a single stroke. However, by the end of Friday, only Fitzpatrick remained a top contender. He shot a 5-under 66, positioning him to be in the final group on Saturday alongside Scheffler.
Brian Harman initiated an early surge in Round 2, posting a 6-under 65 to reach 8-under. He is currently tied for third with Haotong Li.
Rory McIlroy, competing on familiar ground this week and seeking redemption from his previous experience at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, has remained in contention. He completed the second round with a 69 to reach 3-under, trailing Scheffler by seven strokes.
The projected cut is currently at 1-over for the week, which is anticipated to exclude several prominent players. Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Patrick Cantlay, and Joaquin Niemann are currently poised to miss the weekend rounds.
Stay tuned as Yahoo Sports provides comprehensive coverage of the second round action from Royal Portrush:
