Ireland’s Shane Lowry holds a two-shot lead at the midpoint of The Open after a windy second round at Royal Troon.
The 2019 champion, Lowry, nailed a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole to card a two-under 69, adding to his initial 66 and bringing him to seven under par.
“It was good, I felt like I went out there, I was in control of my ball, did all the right things for a lot of the round,” said Lowry. ”
Then when I got in a bit of trouble, I feel like I really finished the round well. I’m pretty happy with the day. To be leading this tournament after two days, it’s why you come here, it’s why we’re here.”
While no Englishman has lifted the Claret Jug since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992, two are in close pursuit on Lowry at five under.
Justin Rose, former US Open and Olympic champion, made a dramatic 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th to tie with Dan Brown. Brown, the world number 272 and unexpected leader after round one with a six-under 65, followed up with a 72.
“When I won the U.S. Open it was our first since Tony Jacklin, so those are nice moments when it comes together and you can share the story of what it means,” said Rose, in response to their being no English winner in 30 years.
“But you’re never thinking of it. We are pretty selfish from that point of view.
“Like we want it for us, and obviously it’s great to share it with everybody that it’s meaningful to, but in the moment you’re just trying to get the job done.”
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler trails by five shots as the American, boasting six wins this year including the Masters, posted a 70 to sit alongside Billy Horschel (68) and South Africa’s Dean Burmester (69) at two under.
Australia’s Jason Day turned in a bogey-free 68, joining Canada’s Corey Conners (70) at one under par.
Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are also at one under. Cantlay’s 68 outshone his friend’s score by four strokes, leaving only 10 players under par.
