Scottie Scheffler commenced his round at Royal Portrush on Friday afternoon just as rainfall intensified. Those who preceded him at the 2025 Open Championship benefited from favorable scoring conditions as potential deluges remained at bay, permitting numerous birdies to grace the scorecards of competitors in the morning session.
Despite the intermittent precipitation — and the strategic demands this par 71 imposes on golfers — Scheffler achieved not only the day’s and championship’s best score but also his personal best in a major tournament, concluding with a par on the 18th for a 7-under 64.
“The driving range was bathed in sunshine. I was there in short sleeves, enjoying the warmth,” Scheffler recounted. “Then, upon reaching the 1st hole, it was still sunny. Suddenly, the sky darkened, and heavy rain began to fall. One couldn’t help but wonder about the duration of this downpour.
“Thankfully, the rain wasn’t continuous. It only poured intensely for about four or five holes, allowing me to capitalize on the holes with more agreeable weather.”
This performance propelled Scheffler’s name significantly up the leaderboard on Friday afternoon — overtaking prominent major winners like Matt Fitzpatrick and Brian Harman. It marked Scheffler’s 19th career 36-hole lead on the PGA Tour, his fourth this season and fourth in a major championship.
Perhaps more significantly, it served as a reminder that the championship’s outcome is not solely dependent on a contest between Scheffler and Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, or even Rory McIlroy should the Northern Irishman elevate his game over the weekend.
Rather, the final 36 holes of this championship hinge on the performance of a single individual.
“The pressure will be on him to go out and dominate,” Fitzpatrick observed regarding his Saturday playing partner. “He’s an exceptional golfer. He holds the world No. 1 ranking, and we’re witnessing performances akin to those of Tiger [Woods]. I believe the expectation is for him to secure victory in the tournament.”
During a week that commenced with Scheffler expressing his profound reflections on the journey, the ultimate destination, and the potential sources of joy and fulfillment, the three-time major champion has maintained his unique approach. He attributes a persistent evaluation of his game and a dedication to improvement for his adoption of the claw grip with his putter this winter.
“I consistently assess my performance and seek avenues for enhancement. … It was an adjustment we believed could yield positive results,” Scheffler explained. “And thus far, it has proven beneficial.”
The results have been remarkable in 2025, yet questions lingered regarding how this adaptation would translate to the demands of links golf. The Scottish Open provided limited optimism as Scheffler struggled with his putting at the Renaissance Club, but after two rounds at Royal Portrush, he has excelled on the greens, leading the field and gaining six strokes on his competitors.
Following a memorable 2024 season that encompassed another Masters title, a Players Championship victory, an Olympic gold medal, and numerous other achievements, the top player in the game returned to the drawing board to identify areas for improvement and implemented a change that most would avoid, a decision that distinguishes Scheffler and his thought process from his peers. This adjustment has also aided him in distancing himself from the competition as he enters the weekend of the year’s final major championship.
Another Friday sensation
In 2023, Harman posted a Friday 65 to establish a five-stroke advantage heading into the weekend at Royal Liverpool. Two years later — having already claimed a Claret Jug due to his performance at Hoylake — the left-handed golfer finds himself in a somewhat analogous position, carding a bogey-free 65 in Round 2 at Royal Portrush to ascend the leaderboard.
That weekend, the British media became fascinated with Harman’s extracurricular interests, a topic that remained prominent as the American concluded his round this Friday.
“Yes, I’m an avid hunter and fisherman,” Harman confirmed. “I was somewhat surprised by — yes, I was a bit taken aback. I was curious as to why everyone was inquiring so extensively about it. I didn’t realize there was such widespread concern about it. It’s a stance I’ll firmly defend, and … I’ll sleep soundly tonight.”
Unfazed and unblemished, Harman exudes the aura of a player capable of securing his second Claret Jug in the past three years, given his exceptional ball striking throughout the first 36 holes. Should he ultimately prevail, Harman would join the ranks of Arnold Palmer, Padraig Harrington, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, and Lee Trevino as individuals with multiple Open victories since World War II.
“I aspire to replicate that weekend and maintain exceptional play throughout,” Harman stated. “There will inevitably be challenges. This is a demanding course. The pin placements have been particularly difficult, requiring meticulous strategy. Inevitably, some shots will be mis-hit, landing in undesirable positions, and the manner in which those situations are handled will undoubtedly determine the tournament’s outcome.”
Multiple avenues to preparation
Hatton spent Wednesday evening at a local pitch and putt, engaging in a casual game with five friends. They supplemented their round with several pints, a preparatory routine Hatton credits for his strong opening round, so much so that he intends to repeat it.
“We played, I believe, in a six-ball, which offered a welcome respite from the week’s inherent pressures. It was refreshing to simply enjoy oneself as if one were a child again,” he remarked. “It’s easy to overlook that aspect when one is constantly moving from tournament to tournament. Yes, it was thoroughly enjoyable. It was a lovely evening. I then indulged in three pints of Guinness, which further enhanced the experience.”
While further golf may not be in the cards for the Englishman following his second-round 69, which elevated him to 5 under, more Guinness is certainly on the agenda, as Hatton delivered the perfect response when questioned about his plans for Friday evening.
“It would be impolite not to. I believe three is the ideal quantity,” Hatton stated. “Exceeding three tends to … Yes, two to three is optimal, as it avoids any semblance of a hangover while still providing a sense of enjoyment — hopefully I have a late tee time tomorrow allowing for a leisurely morning as well.”
Rory’s “first” weekend at Portrush
Indeed, the championship is already considered a success compared to the 2019 event for the Ulsterman. McIlroy has successfully navigated his way into the weekend, and despite some inconsistent driving during the initial two rounds, the career grand slam winner will have the opportunity to conclude his momentous season with a Claret Jug, entering the weekend at 3 under.
McIlroy has experienced a somewhat erratic tournament thus far, as any momentum gained is often followed by an errant shot or a misjudged putt. There are areas requiring improvement — particularly his par-5 scoring — but one can be assured that if McIlroy achieves a steady start on Saturday, the entire venue will be aware.
“I believe I’ve let myself down more than the fans, but I certainly felt it was … a difficult experience to overcome, but simultaneously, I presented myself with an excessive challenge,” McIlroy explained. “This time, however, I’ve progressed. I understand the necessary actions to maximize my performance in such an environment. I’ve exhibited glimpses of my best form over the first two days. To contend for victory over the weekend, I’ll need to maintain comprehensive control and synchronize all aspects of my game.
“It’s extraordinary to compete before these spectators … I never envisioned returning as a grand slam champion, supported by an entire nation, vying to win an Open Championship. I consider myself incredibly fortunate and privileged to be in this position, and I eagerly anticipate the weekend.”
Sharing the spotlight
The Hojgaard family will have a busy weekend of golf viewing as brothers Rasmus and Nicolai both find themselves within the top 10 on the leaderboard at the tournament’s midpoint. Rasmus set the early family standard on Friday, concluding his round at 5 under — a total Nicolai narrowly missed, finishing just one stroke shy.
“It’s encouraging to witness Ras performing well this week,” Nicolai commented. “I noticed his position on the leaderboard early on and felt compelled to match his performance. I’m slightly disappointed I couldn’t reach the 5 under mark. I felt the round had potential. Nevertheless, I’m happy for him.”
Nicolai and Rasmus have experienced contrasting careers, with their periods of peak performance rarely coinciding. Nicolai was a member of the European Ryder Cup team in 2023, while Rasmus secured the Irish Open title and earned his PGA Tour card the following year. This season hasn’t been stellar for either, but they did achieve a runner-up finish together at the Zurich Classic.
“I’ll be rooting for him until we reach the back nine on Sunday,” Rasmus stated.
Playing captaincy increasingly probable
Who are the top five American golfers currently? Scheffler undoubtedly leads the rankings, but identifying those behind him may elicit varied responses, with Keegan Bradley likely factoring into the discussion. While the selection of a playing captain is based on the top 12 players, the U.S. Ryder Cup team leader is generally within that range.
Consider his Open performance, for instance. Bradley has historically struggled on links courses until this week, where he enters the tournament’s second phase at 3 under and within striking distance. He attributes his improved short game and overall well-roundedness for this progress, and as more performances of this caliber accumulate, the improbable playing captaincy appears increasingly likely.
“No, it certainly won’t be straightforward,” Bradley acknowledged. “Selecting whoever it may be will not be an easy task, but if I reach that point and I feel that I can contribute to the team, I’ll consider playing. However, I’m asked that question incessantly, and I don’t have a definitive answer. I want to wait until the player selection process and assess my performance. If someone is performing exceptionally well and deserves my spot, I’ll be delighted for them. My sole objective is to assemble the best possible team at Bethpage.”
An unorthodox path to under par
Rickie Fowler is currently ranked No. 114 in the Official World Golf Rankings and hasn’t achieved a major top 20 finish since the 2023 U.S. Open, so how did he gain entry into the field? Fowler capitalized on some fortuitous circumstances, leveraging a spot in one tournament to secure a spot in this championship.
After receiving a sponsor’s invitation to the Memorial — a part of The Open Qualifying Series — Fowler finished T7 at Jack’s Place, securing one of the available spots at Royal Portrush. While some may object to this route, Fowler is navigating it effectively. With rounds of 69-72, the American is in red figures heading into the weekend in a championship he has historically performed well in.
“I believe I’ve always possessed creativity and a vivid imagination when it comes to executing golf shots,” Fowler stated. “Having grown up on a flat driving range, I was compelled to visualize different scenarios and execute various shots. Over here, while obstacles are present, one must often visualize the shot and then execute it successfully. I find this location particularly enjoyable due to its unique character, being slightly more aerial than many other links courses.
“However, multiple shot options are invariably available, all of which can be effective, but the key is to commit to one and execute it precisely. I find enjoyment in the multitude of variables, including the ball’s bounce, the wind direction, and the utilization of the wind. While I’m not particularly fond of rain, it introduces another significant variable into the equation.”
Bryson’s recovery
Bryson DeChambeau improved his score by 13 strokes from Thursday to Friday, mirroring McIlroy’s feat in 2019 at Portrush. Rebounding from his opening 78 with a remarkable 65 to stand at 1 over for the week, the two-time U.S. Open champion avoided consecutive early exits in this championship and in major championships following his surprising missed cut at Oakmont.
DeChambeau gained 5.50 more strokes with his irons in Round 2 compared to Round 1 and carded seven birdies after failing to record any in the opening round. Despite his significantly improved performance and tighter round, the powerful right-hander insisted that minimal changes were made.
“I played the same as I did yesterday,” DeChambeau stated. “That’s the nature of links golf. I executed essentially the same shots as I did yesterday. I didn’t perceive any discernible difference in my play. Today, however, things simply aligned in my favor. My wedges were marginally more precise, and that was the extent of it. I also holed a few more putts. Overall, I felt like I was putting well today. There wasn’t much that was different. That’s why links golf is what it is.”
