Shane Lowry led the Open from qualifier Dan Brown after a masterful second round at Royal Troon yesterday, although world number one Scottie Scheffler and England's Justin Rose were moving ominously into contention.
Lowry, the 2019 champion, rolled in a superb 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to complete a two-under 69 to reach seven under, two shots clear of overnight leader Dan Brown, who again impressed with a one-over 72.
Former US Open champion Rose, who had to qualify this year, put together a magnificent three-under 68 in the toughest afternoon conditions to join Brown on five-under. The 43-year-old went bogey-free for 29 holes and finished by sinking a superb 40 foot birdie putt on the 18th green to raise hopes of a first English winner since Nick Faldo in 1992.cScheffler was also warming to the task of lifting the Claret Jug for the first time although a bogey at the 18th rather jolted his serene progress on the Ayrshire coast.
Conditions were calmer for the early starters although winds increased considerably throughout the day to stifle scoring and leave the hopes of several big names in tatters, including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.
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Denne historien er fra July 20, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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