admin Scottie Scheffler produced a masterclass at Royal Portrush on Friday, firing a superb 64 to take the lead at the British Open golf tournament after round two. The world number one now sits at 10-under-par, one shot clear of England’s Matt Fitzpatrick.
Scheffler, already a three-time major winner, displayed remarkable consistency throughout the round. He made four birdies on the front nine and four more after the turn. His only blemish came with a bogey at the 11th. Despite brief rain spells, Scheffler remained composed, capitalizing on favorable conditions whenever possible.
Close behind, Fitzpatrick carded a composed 66 to move to nine-under. The 2022 U.S. Open champion made four birdies on the front nine and added four more in a brilliant stretch on the back. A bogey on 14 and a missed birdie chance on 17 cost him the lead. However, he responded with a clutch 23-foot par putt at the 18th.
China’s Li Haotong and 2023 champion Brian Harman are tied two shots behind at eight-under. Harman delivered a flawless 65, featuring six birdies and no dropped shots. He praised the firm ground conditions, noting how they suited his style. Li, ranked 111th in the world, continued his steady run with a second straight 67. He opened with five birdies in 12 holes but dropped his first shot on the 14th.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy battled through another dramatic round. The home favorite opened with a birdie and navigated early trouble to save par at the second. He added birdies at 12 and 14 to sign for a 69, finishing at three-under overall. Despite missed chances, McIlroy remains optimistic and believes he can make a strong weekend push.
Several players remain within striking distance. Rasmus Hojgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Tyrrell Hatton, Harris English, and Chris Gotterup all ended the day at five-under.
Weather conditions varied throughout the day, with players facing a mix of sunshine and heavy showers. Joint overnight leader Jacob Skov Olesen struggled with a disastrous quadruple bogey on the first hole, falling to 36th after a 76. Notable past champions including Collin Morikawa, Louis Oosthuizen, and Cameron Smith failed to make the cut. As the British Open golf tournament heads into the weekend, the stage is set for a thrilling finish.
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