Ireland’s Shane Lowry holds a share of the lead as we head into the weekend at The Open as Rory McIlroy put together a fine round to come agonisingly close to making the weekend.
Lowry held a two shot lead ahead of overnight leader JB Holmes, but two bogeys on the way in during a fine round of 67 meant he came back alongside the American, with whom he’ll play in the final group on Saturday.
McIlroy went into the second round with no pressure after buckling as the favourite and shooting 79 on the opening day at Royal Portrush, where he shot the old course record in 2005.
After a slow start the four time major champion started the back nine with three consecutive birdies. A dropped shot on the par three, 13th was rectified on the next hole but after the Northern Irishman’s approach to the 15th found the sand he could only make par and was running out of time.
A stunning tee shot on the 16th, named ‘Calamity’, left McIlroy another birdie chance on the par three, a chance taken to move within one shot of the cut with two to play. The 17th, a driveable par four, presented another chance before the 30-year-old’s drive found the rough down the right.
He managed to save his par there, meaning a birdie was needed down the last. An iron off the tee was safe and well positioned and left him 200-yards into the final green. The approach, however, was caught, according to McIlroy, by the wind and fell left. A chip in the only way to save the day, but that was too much. His dream Open was over before the weekend.
Englishmen Lee Westwood and Tommy Fleetwood are one back from the leaders after rounds of 67 as they both search for their first major title.
"I'm playing well, I'm more relaxed," said Westwood, who has 24 wins on the European Tour.
"I literally don't care. I just go out there and have fun.
"I'm 46 and still competing with these young lads. There's no pressure on me.
"If you play well you get yourself chances at majors.”
Tiger Woods insisted his injuries were not as bad as they seemed after he missed the cut, despite putting together a much improved round of 70.
Here is the leaderboard after day two of the 148th Open Championship...
