Matt Fitzpatrick's impressive 66 put him in an excellent position to end a 33-year wait for an English winner of The Open, but he will have to get past the daunting figure of world number one Scottie Scheffler if he is to end the drought.
Just minutes after the 2022 US Open champion returned to the top of a major leaderboard, having posted a nine-under-par total at Royal Portrush, his American rival reeled off back-to-back birdies at 16 and 17 to snatch the lead from the Sheffield golfer's grasp.
May's US PGA winner looked in ominous form in getting to 10 under - his round of 64 included eight birdies, a missed putt at the last for another and just one bogey - and he looked as unruffled as ever, even as the heaviest rain of the week drenched the links for a good 45 minutes.
Rory McIlroy remains in contention though, with the Masters champion ending at three under after a steady performance in Friday’s second round. Brian Harman and Haotong Li are two behind Scheffler at -8. While Shane Lowry was hit by a two-shot penalty after a post-round review, leaving the 2019 champion frustrated and 10 shots back.
Relive all the action and analysis from Royal Portrush below:
The Open 2025 - Round 2
- McIlroy finishes day on -3, with Brian Harman ending on -8 alongside Li Haotong
- Tyrell Hatton, Rob MacIntyre, Harris English and Rasmus Hojgaard finish the day on -5
- Scottie Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick among those in contention who are yet to finish on day two
- The Open 2025 weather: Royal Portrush forecast for Round 2
- The Open prize money: How much does the winner take home?
- Leaderboard: -10: Scheffler -9 Fitzpatrick; -8: Li, Harman; -5: MacIntyre, Hojgaard R, Hatton, English
- Report: Scottie Scheffler delivers ominous reminder to take charge at The Open 2025
- Shane Lowry reacts to two-shot penalty at The Open
Scottie Scheffler delivers ominous reminder to take charge at The Open 2025
21:00 , Jack RathbornIt was a putt to send echoes around Royal Portrush, from all of 23 feet for a precious par. Matt Fitzpatrick poured it in and avoided one final setback to show the contrasting nature of what an Open Championship test requires. Yet barely a few minutes later, the scale of the task for Fitzpatrick and the rest of the field became ominously clear.
Fitzpatrick is already a major champion, so he knows the merit of a shot-saver, as much as the spectacular strokes that lay the table before, notably those four consecutive birdies from 10-13 when he held a mesmeric control over that little white ball. But that putt only allowed him to cling onto the heels of Scottie Scheffler. A telling reminder of what he’ll need to trade blows with the world’s best player over the next 36 holes.
The soggy conditions around Royal Portrush saw Fitzpatrick emerge with a remarkable five-under-par round of 66 to sit at nine-under-par, bettered only by Scheffler at 10-under-par, as he pursues a second major to complement his US Open title. A feat that would cement his place, once again, in Luke Donald’s Team Europe for the Ryder Cup this September. Moreover, a second major title would catapult him into rare company. Multiple majors are just held in different esteem.
Scottie Scheffler delivers ominous reminder to take charge at The Open 2025
Shane Lowry reacts to two-shot penalty at The Open
00:18 , Jack Rathborn“Well, I didn't know anything happened until walking up the 15th fairway and then the rules official came over and told me that there was a possibility the ball moved on the 12th for my second shot,” Lowry revealed after his round.
“I've asked him, how many shot penalty is that if it did, and he said, two. Obviously then I feel like I'm on the cut mark then, which is not very nice. I feel like I played well on the way in and then obviously waited to see.
“I was in there with the rules official and wasn't arguing my case, but I'm disappointed that they don't have more camera angles on it. The one zoomed in slow motion -- they're trying to tell me if it doesn't move from the naked eye, if you don't see it moving, it didn't move.
“I told them I definitely was looking down towards the ball as I was taking that practice swing, and I didn't see it move. I'm still not sure whether it was or not, but I had to take the penalty and I just get on with it.
“It's obviously very disappointing. I felt like I played really, really well today. And yeah, that's hard to take. Look, I'll just have to dust myself off and get out there tomorrow and give it a go.”
Shane Lowry hits back after two-shot penalty in second round of The Open
More from Matt Fitzpatrick:
20:55 , Mike Jones"I wouldn't say I necessarily feel as much pressure.
"He's going to have the expectation to go out and dominate. He's an exceptional player. He's world number one and we're seeing Tiger-like stuff.
"I think the pressure is for him to win the golf tournament. For me obviously I hope I'm going to have some more home support than him, but it's an exciting position for me to be in given where I was earlier this year."
'Every facet of my game won on today'
20:44 , Mike JonesHe may not have the lead heading into the weekend but two rounds of 67 and 66 have put Matt Fitzpatrick in a great position.
He said: "I felt like every facet of my game was on today and I felt like I really played solid. To take advantage of the opportunities I had out there was obviously really positive.
"I'm giving myself an opportunity to win the golf tournament, but there's still a hell of a long way to go.
"Obviously the aim of the game is to stay in it for as long as possible and hopefully you can pull away right at the death. I'm obviously 50 percent there.
"We'll see what the weekend brings."
Scheffler misses out on record
20:32 , Mike JonesScottlie Scheffler has his eye on the record score at Royal Portrush as he lines up another birdie opportunity on the 18th.
Again, he’s placed himself with a straight putt but this time he leaves it short and has to settle for a round of 64.
That’s seven under for the day and he charges into the lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick.
Scheffler heads into the clubhouse with a score of -10 at the halfway stage of the tournament.
He’ll take some beating over the weekend.
Lowry in the red
20:30 , Mike JonesShane Lowry receives a thunderous round of applause and cheers as he strides up to the final green.
He two putts for a par and finishes off with a round on one-under, the same as yesterday.
Good consistency from the former Open champion who will hope to push on tomorrow.
Rahm bogeys 18
20:26 , Mike JonesIt’s been a frustrating day for Jon Rahm. One full of near misses and slight errors.
He audibly gasps as a simple par putt slides past the hole and drops him down to level par for the tournament.
Rahm will be here for the weekend and he’ll hope the finer margins fall his way.
His playing partner, and defending champion, Xander Schauffele also bogeys and drops to -2.
McKibbin misses cut
20:19 , Mike JonesNorthern Ireland's Tom McKibbin will miss the cut at his home Open after ending the second round on three over par.
He said: "It's very frustrating. I started off lovely and I was playing lovely. I was one under after seven and made a silly mistake on eight.
"It's been a frustrating last two days. I've played some really nice golf. I think it's the best I've played in the four majors I've played in. There was just a few silly mistakes.
"It's very frustrating with the way I think I've been playing. I birdied the first and made some really nice chances, and to drop those shots that I didn't think were too poor of a shot, they were more of a mistake, that's what is more frustrating than anything.
"It was a great week, the whole way through with the crowds and everything, but it wasn't meant to be."
Chance for Scheffler to go clear
20:09 , Mike JonesScottie Scheffler has really turned it on towards the end of this round.
He’s on the green in two up on the 17th and has a 12ft putt for birdie.
There’s a little left-to-right but he judges the pace brilliantly and this one drops too!
Scheffler now has the lead outright and could even extend it.
He’s into double figures too.
Birdie for Scheffler!
20:01 , Mike JonesLovely.
The world No.1 has been wonderful with his putter in both rounds this week.
An easy back swing and straight putt sends the ball up the hill and he rolls it in for a two from a touch over 10ft.
That takes him down to -9 and gives him a share of the lead with two holes still to go.
Scheffler on the move
19:52 , Mike JonesScottie Scheffler knows the marker to beat now.
He’s one behind Fitzpatrick thru 15. His drive on 16 is wonderful and he drives in right onto the green.
Birdie chance coming up and with it an opportunity to take to the front of the pack.
Playing alongside him is Shane Lowry who leaves his own birdie putt hanging on the edge of the hole!
Incredible stroke but it’s only a par.
Par for Fitzpatrick!
19:49 , Mike JonesNot the finish Matt Fitzpatrick wanted. A lip out on 17 saw him throw away a birdie and two slight positional errors on 18 leaves him with a 23 ft putt for par.
Surely not, surely yes!
It’s uphill and moves right-to-left. The pace is judges superbly and the Englishman pulls out the fist pump as the ball drops into the hole.
It’s a fantastic save and secures a round of 66 which puts Fitzpatrick out in front on his own.
Fitzpatrick closing out round
19:42 , Mike JonesMatt Fitzpatrick looks to close out his second round on the 18th.
Again he choses to play safe from the fairway and targets the left side of the green.
A poor bounce takes his ball off the dancefloor but he’s got plenty of space to play with to set up a simple putt for par.
Still work to do to make it into the clubhouse as the outright leader.
More from Chris Gotterup:
19:33 , Mike Jones"Monday and Tuesday this week were pretty tough!
"I hadn’t slept much and was really pretty worn down so I took those two days to come over here, check in, play nine holes.
"Other than that, I got rested up and ready for this week because I know it’s a big week.
"My celebration was really shortlived. I was right into this week and I will save the celebrating for when I get home."
Missed birdie for Fitzpatrick
19:27 , Mike JonesThat’s a heartbreaker.
Matt Fitzpatrick expertly plays the 17th and a chip onto the green leaves him with a couple of feet left to putt.
He knocks his putt which lips around the edge of the hole and bobbles out.
Fiztpatrick remains at -9 and has the outright lead. He should have extended it there though.
Scottish Open winner in contention
19:25 , Mike JonesLast week’s Scottish Open winner, Chris Gotterup, is five under for the tournament after two rounds.
"It was a great day today,” he said afterwards.
“I hung in there well and battled the conditions. I didn’t have my best stuff but definitely came out with a bit better ball-striking.
“I don’t know. Everyone keeps asking me that [why he’s good at links golf] and I don’t have an answer. It’s just the creativity that the course demands.
"You have to hit certain shots with the wind and I like to move the ball so it gives me a bit of creativity of using slopes and using the wind to your favour.
"It seems there’s always something you can do to get a look, whether it’s 30 feet or 10 feet, there’s something there, so that’s a nice feeling."
Two to go for Fitzpatrick
19:15 , Mike JonesMatt Fitzpatrick safely negotiates the 16th hole with a par and maintains his one shot lead at the top of the Open leaderboard.
Both 17 and 18 are accessible to score on and if he ends his round well, Fitzpatrick could have a good lead heading into the weekend.
Back and forth
19:08 , Mike JonesScottie Scheffler had dropped back to -7 but gets himself moving the right way on the leaderboard with a birdie on the par 3 13th.
His drive did the heavy lifting and places him with a straight, slightly uphill putt which rolls in without too much trouble.
Back on track for Fitzpatrick
19:06 , Mike JonesSafely does it for the leader.
After his bogey on the tricky 14th, Matt Fitzpatrick secures another par on 15.
He played safe with his approach shot and left and long putt across the green for birdie.
He leaves it slightly short but picking up a shot here would have been a bonus.
Li reacts to second round
19:00 , Mike JonesHaotong Li gave an interview after his second round which sees him settled nicely in second place just one shot behind Matt Fitzpatrick.
He said: "I'm very proud and didn’t expect that result especially compared to the last couple of weeks. It’s been really solid so far.
"The game in our country has been (growing) a lot. People are being very (interested) in this game and really enjoy it."
Scheffler setting up
18:53 , Mike JonesThis is a sign of a great golfer.
In the rough off the tee on 12, Scottie Scheffler looks to lay up and smokes his recovery shot to the front edge of the green.
He’s there in two and has two shots to secure a birdie and a tie of the lead.
Impressive.
Westwood in at -3
18:48 , Mike JonesLee Westwood salvages a great day on the 18th hole.
He plays it terribly in truth and leaves a very difficult 27 ft putt from the edge of the green for par.
The 52-year-old rolls it in and delights the crowd to maintain his score and record a one-under round of 70.
Westwood, who came through a qualifier to make it into the Open, will be playing at the weekend.
Fitzpatrick tackles 14
18:42 , Mike JonesThe 14th hole has played as the most difficult today.
Matt Fitzpatrick is now taking it on and leaves himself 202 yards to the pin after a decent drive.
The Englishmas bails out to the right side of the green to leave a chip and putt up-and-down for par.
It’s definitely doable but the chip will need to be good.
It is. He flicks it onto the green and leaves about 4ft. The putt is just on the inside right and Fitzpatrick misses!
A couple of players have done the same thing and slipped their putts too far right expecting a bit of curve.
Fitzpatrick bogeys and drops back to -9.
Weather has taken a turn
18:36 , Mike JonesThere’s a slight danger of a pause in play if the rain continues to fall heavily.
Puddles will start to appear on the greens but for now play goes on.
Those at the end of their rounds will be trying to get into the clubhouse as soon as possible.
Heavy downpour hits second round at The Open in Portrush
18:32 , Jack RathbornThe rain is bucketing down here at Portrush, the players are huddled under those huge umbrellas. The water is settling on the greens, a really heavy shower.
Not nice for the fans and the players, for a moment, but they will be eagerly licking their lips at the moment it stops and the greens become benign: target practice could follow.
The fans around the greens and fairways are displaying immense dedication to the course here, it’s an unforgiving downpour.
Nice from Rahm
18:23 , Mike JonesThe heavens have opened above Royal Portrush and things are a bit trickier now for the players out on the course.
Jon Rahm gets a taste of things over on the 11th as he tries to slot in a birdie putt from around 20 yards or so.
He needs to hit his putt quite a bit harder than usual and judges the pace superbly.
The distance is the issue though and Rahm’s putt drifts off to the right and stops right next to the hole.
A good par in the end.
Double-figures for Fitzpatrick
18:16 , Mike JonesFitzpatrick restores his two-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler and more.
A 200-yard drive on the 13th is a wonderful stroke and leaves him a touch over 10ft for birdie.
It’s a dead straight putt and he nails in right in the middle of the cup.
Fitzpatrick moves to -10 for the tournament and only has five holes left today.
Lowry misses birdie putt, Scheffler doesn't
18:14 , Mike JonesShane Lowry is up first to putt on the 10th and leaves a tough right-to-left up the hill.
The slope kills the speed of the putt and Lowry, who won here in 2019, leaves his putt short of the hole.
It should be an easy par for the Irishman though.
Scottie Scheffler, meanwhile, gets his back nine off to the perfect start with a brilliant putt inside of 10-ft to secure his birdie.
He’s just one shot behind Fitzpatrick now, or is he...?
Scheffler chasing
18:11 , Mike JonesWith Matt Fitzpatrick now out in the clear lead at -9, Scottie Scheffler has a little bit of work to do to catch him.
Over on the 10th, Scheffler’s approach to the green is superb.
He daintily flicked iron onto the top tier which spins back and leaves an uphill putt for birdie.
Very nice work indeed.
Fitzpatrick birdies again!
18:07 , Chris WilsonFitzpatrick -9, 12
Fitzpatrick has just played the 12th, which so far has been the easiest hole on the course, and the man in form capitalises well after getting within five feet with his opening three shots before sinking a straightforward birdie putt.
Li finishes on -8
17:59 , Chris WilsonLi -8 (67), Johnson E (69),
Haotong Li is very close to to a closing birdie but he’s forced to settle for par to close out another brilliant day.
Dustin Johnson has also saved himself late on, moving from +3 to even in his final four holes to just about make the cut. Three birdies in the final four there!
Li takes on final hole of the day
17:54 , Chris WilsonOur joint leader is coming down the last, with his approach shot landing on the green about 20 feet out.
Meanwhile, Jon Rahm has just landed another bogey, taking him to -1.
Fitzpatrick into tie for lead!
17:42 , Chris WilsonLi -8, Fitzpatrick -8, Scheffler -7, Lowry -6, Jordan -4
Matthew Jordan has recovered to -4 after a birdie on 13 was set up by a great tee shot.
On eight, Lowry falls short with a birdie putt, and Scheffler takes par.
On 11, Fitzpatrick produces a lovely approach shot to land within about six feet of the pin before sinking the putt to move into a tie for the lead.
On 17, Li almost lands a superb birdie but the putt goes wayward and he settles for par.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
17:28 , Chris WilsonLi makes par on Calamity Corner at the 16th, while Fitzpatrick nails a putt for a birdie from 15 feet to move one behind the lead.
Third birdie in a row from Scheffler
17:27 , Chris WilsonLowry -2, C Morikawa +4, Scheffler -7 (7)
Ominous signs from Scheffler, as was the case yesterday.
He’s been quietly efficient today and he lands a third consecutive birdie to take himself within a shot of the lead.
Lowry is again frustrated as another birdie chance gets away from him.
Pars among leaders
17:19 , Chris WilsonBoth Li and Fitzpatrick have made par on their last holes (the 15th and ninth respectively).
Shane Lowry stays on -2 as well.
Matthew Jordan salvaged par on 11, but he’s dropped to -2 over the last few holes.
What’s the cut line at present?
17:15 , Chris WilsonSo, the top 70 and ties make the weekend cut, and at present the line is hovering at +2.
Dustin Johnson and Wyndham Clark are still on the course at +3, while Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin needs a birdie at the last to keep the home fans happy.
Bryson DeChambeau will be happy with a brilliant day that left him on +1, and he should certainly be safe now.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
17:10 , Chris WilsonRahm -3, Gotterup -5, Westwood -1
Rahm with the eagle putt on seven – it has the length but not the line. He sinks the birdie though, moving to -3.
Meanwhile on 12, Chris Gotterup drains an eagle putt from eight feet for an eagle!
Elsewhere, Lee Westwood is still plugging away at -1 through 12, so he’s far from out of it if he carries on well.
Fitzpatrick bogeys, Scheffler birdies
17:06 , Chris WilsonFitzpatrick and Scheffler are now level on -6, two shots behind the lead, after the Englishman misses a putt for par on eight.
Scheffler finds back-to-back birdies. His tee shot at the sixth lands well wide of the pin, but he’s completely unfazed as he sinks a putt from over 30 feet!
Leaderboard update
17:03 , Chris WilsonRight then, a chance to sum up the how the leaderboard looks:
1 - Harman, -8, 65
Li, -8, 14
3 - Scheffler, -6, 6
Fitzpatrick, -6, 8
5 - Hojgaard, -5, 68
Hatton, -5, 69
MacIntyre, -5, 66
English, -5, 70
Gotterup, -5, 12
Forst bogey for Li
16:57 , Chris WilsonLi gets his first bogey of the day on the 14th – a hole that has claimed many victims today.
He moves back into the joint lead at -8.
Scheffler climbing up the board
16:49 , Chris WilsonLowry -2, C Morikawa +4, Scheffler -5 (5)
On five, Scheffler produces a great tee shot to land within 60 yards, before his approach shot takes him within about seven feet.
He drains it to move to -5, while Lowry is irritated as he misses his own birdie chance.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
16:45 , Chris WilsonJordan has bogeyed a couple of his last holes before his latest birdie putt has the line but not the length.
He stays at -3, while Nicolai Hojgaard gains a shot on his brother to move to -4!
On 14, Li finds the rough from the tee.
Fitzpatrick birdies again!
16:42 , Chris WilsonMatt Fitzpatrick is having another brilliant day and he’s moved to -7!
Four birdies in his first seven holes today.
Pars all round
16:35 , Chris WilsonRahm -2, Schauffele E, Spaun E (4)
Three pars for these three on the fourth, and Jon Rahm remains in contention alongside players such as Shane Lowry, Matthew Jordan and Nicolai Hojgaard.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
16:27 , Chris WilsonJack Rathborn at Royal Portrush:
A rather soggy Portrush has greeted the late starters. McIlroy, Fleetwood and Thomas scurried off the 18th shortly after the downpour. The course is beautifully set up with the banks and contours around the greens offering potential solutions to the most creative minds out there.
The scoring has been excellent here and McIlroy, in particular, has been greeted by a generous crowd, whose enthusiasm has not been dampened by the elements.
If an unlikely challenge has emerged from Haotong Li and a somewhat unpopular surge from former champion Brian Harman, there are plenty of popular players queueing up for a shot at the Claret Jug.
Robert MacIntyre, who made his major debut here six years ago, finishing sixth, maintains he is now "a completely different golfer, physically and mentally." After a glistening 66, the Ryder Cup star might just back up a near miss at the US Open with a debut major win on Sunday.
Birdie for Fitzpatrick
16:15 , Chris WilsonMatt Fitzpatrick moves back to -6 with a fairly straightforward putt.
Scheffler stays four under as his own birdie putt comes up short.
Alongside him on four, Lowry sinks a lovely putt from about 12feet to save par and stay on -2.
On 16, Nicolai Hojgaard faces a difficult shot for the birdie that would take him back up to -5.
Harman reacts to being clubhouse leader
16:10 , Chris WilsonBrian Harman spoke to Sky after his round, saying he “loves”the golf over here in the UK.
"I love the golf over here. It suits me. Distance, of course, matters over here, but it doesn't matter as much as maybe some other tournaments, and it doesn't matter because the ground is so firm that the ball rolls.
"There's just a million different ways to play over here, whereas at some other majors you get kind of stuck into this 'well, I'm going to swing as hard as I can off this tee ball and try to hit this seven-iron as high as I possibly can and hope it stops'.
"They have incredible respect for the game. The golf overall fan knowledge over here is unbelievable.
"They all play. They love the game and being an Open champion over here is really cool.
"They know who you are. They have respect for you. I love coming over here. As far as golf, it's as pure as it gets,” adds the 2023 winner.
Lowry birdies!
16:03 , Chris WilsonLowry missed a birdie chance from just a couple of feet on the second but he makes up for it on the third, draining a nine-foot putt after a brave tee shot.
He’s on -2 now, while elsewhere Matthew Jordan has steadied himself with a par on the seventh.
The Open prize money: How much does the winner take home?
16:00 , Chris WilsonThe 2025 Open Championship is underway as Rory McIlroy attempts to win his home major at Royal Portrush.
The Open is the oldest golf competition in the world and the winner will collect the famous Claret Jug, first awarded in 1872. They will also receive a healthy winners’ cheque from the R&A worth $3.1m (£2.4m).
The R&A raised the total prize fund to $17m (£13.4m) in 2024, up $500,000 from the previous year but still the lowest of the four major championships.
English & Finau finish
15:53 , Chris WilsonEnglish -5 (70), Finau -4 (68)
We’re seeing plenty of putts coming up short now due to the rain.
Harris English is the latest to do so, missing his birdie chance on the final hole to finish the day at five under.
Tony Finau ends a good day with a par as well, and he finishes on four under.
Li moves level
15:50 , Chris WilsonAnother birdie for Li as he moves to -8 and three under through nine holes.
His latest is very impressive too, hooking himself out of the undergrowth on 10 to land just four feet away before sinking the putt.
McIlroy & Fleetwood done for the day
15:33 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -1 (68), McIlroy -3 (69), Thomas -1 (69)
Fleetwood actually landed in the bunker with that second shot, and he chips out for the third but par will be very difficult.
It is, and he drops his first shot of the day on the last hole.
Plenty of cheers as McIlroy walks up the 18th and evaluates the upcoming shot.
It’s a good effort and the crowd try to roar it in, but it’s not to be and the home favourite finishes on -3. Still in contention, but work to do.
Thomas’ birdie putt falls short and he’s done on -1.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
15:27 , Chris WilsonScheffler already with a birdie on the card. He moves to -4 on the first.
Lowry saves par on the first to stay at -1.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
15:25 , Chris WilsonThe rain is really falling at Royal Portrush now, and those coming in at 18 will be happy they’re finishing.
McIlroy’s approach shot receives plenty of applause, and it should be good enough for par at least.
Fleetwood can’t even see the pin from where his ball has landed, and he might struggle to save par.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
15:20 , Chris WilsonLovely up and down from Fitzpatrick to stay on -5, while Jordan misses the birdie putt to also stay on that score.
Tony Finau has continued a steady last few holes on -4, while US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has moved up to -3.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
15:16 , Chris WilsonMcIlroy finds the fairway with his last tee shot of the day.
Fleetwood follows it with a drive into the rough though.
Just ahead of them, Aberg grazes the hole with the birdie putt and finishes the day on -2.
Scheffler & Lowry tee off
15:14 , Chris WilsonTwo more contenders are teeing off now.
2019 champ Shane Lowry is first before Scottie Scheffler finds the fairway easily enough.
Rose, MacIntyre & DeChambeau done
15:08 , Chris WilsonDeChambeau +1 (65), MacIntyre -5 (66), Rose -2 (71)
Three great approach shots on the 18th from this trio.
DeChambeau is very close to moving to level par but he misses the birdie and finishes for the day on +1 with a round of 65.
Rose also misses the birdie, landing par and finishing on -2.
MacIntyre will be the happiest of course, finishing with a par and just one bogey for the day too.
Pars all round
15:04 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -2, McIlroy -3, Thomas E (16)
Par once again for this trio. McIlroy almost lands a superb approach but it rolls backwards, and he does well to save the par.
The 16th is playing as the hardest hole on the course today – along with the 1st, 11th and 14th – so al three will be happy.
Rahm & Schauffele tee off
15:00 , Chris WilsonRahm -1, Schauffele E, Spaun +2
Another big trio teeing off now, with Rahm and defending champion Schauffele getting their days started.
Hatton finishes on -5
14:51 , Chris WilsonA par shot for Hatton on 18 and he finishes for the day on -5 with a round of 69.
MacIntyre & Fitzpatrick birdie
14:49 , Chris WilsonMacIntyre -5, Fitzpatrick -5
More good stuff from MacIntyre as a solid tee shot on 17 sets him up for a well-taken birdie putt. He moves to -5.
Matt Fitzpatrick has secured the best possible start to the day too, birdieing the first after a lovely approach to take himself within 10ft.
Elsewhere, DeChambeau has birdied on 17 to move to +1. A great performance on the day!
Harman finishes on -8 (65)
14:39 , Chris WilsonHarman -8, Li -7
Harman is going to have a final birdie chance of the day as he chips within about six feet with his second shot on the 18th.
And he takes it! Rolls it in confidently, and he finishes on -8 with a round of 65!
Li briefly joined the American at the top after his own tee shot on six takes to within two feet for the tap in, but he immediately moves back into second on -7.
MacIntyre drops back, Aberg birdies
14:30 , Chris WilsonMacIntyre -4, Aberg -3
On 16, MacIntyre misses the par putt and drops one back.
One behind on 15, Ludvig Aberg has another birdie to move to -3.
Matt Fitzpatrick has just teed off for the day too.
Birdie for McIlroy!
14:28 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -2, McIlroy -3, Thomas E (14)
A brilliant birdie for McIlroy! He sets it up with a huge drive to go 380 yards, and it ends with him rolling it in from around 15 feet to move to -3.
Thomas missed his par putt so drops a shot back to level par.
The Open 2025 - Round Two
14:21 , Chris WilsonLi, -6
Hatton -5, Macintyre -5
Jordan -4, Finau -4
A few updates from around Royal Portrush.
Tyrell Hatton has been joined by Rob MacIntyre on -5, while Li has continued his good start by shooting two under for the day to also move to -6.
Justin Rose has recovered somewhat from that triple bogey earlier to move back into the red on -2.
Tony Finau has come out of nowhere to get to -4, while Mtthew Jordan has just birdied the second to join him there.
Leaderboard – The Open 2025
14:04 , Lawrence OstlereSo Hojgaard is the clubhouse leader, though he may well soon be replaced by Brian Harman. Here’s how the top of the leaderboard looks right now:
-7: Harman (15)
-6 English (11)
-5: Hojgaard (F), Hatton (14), Li (4), MacIntyre (13)
-4 Fitzpatrick (-)
Hojgaard finishes with a birdie to reach five under
13:53 , Lawrence OstlereRashmus Hojgaard finishes with a birdie, knocking a long-range putt home to seal a wonderful round of 68.
McIlroy with five pars in succession
13:36 , Flo CliffordMcIlroy attempts a birdie but is a tad short; he taps in for par, his fifth in a row, and stays at one under on the 10th hole.
Li birdies the second
13:31 , Flo CliffordChinese player Li Haotong is having an ideal start, following up a par at the first with a birdie at the par-five second to move five under par.
Hatton one off the lead
13:27 , Flo CliffordTyrrell Hatton is keeping well in touch, sinking his third two of this round, this one on par three to keep the pressure on Harman.
Disappointment for Rose
13:13 , Chris WilsonRose E, English -5
Hard to take for Rose as he drops back to level par, dropping three shots on the 11th after finding the bushes from the tee and then firing his provisional ball from the fairway into the rough.
Elsewhere, Harris English takes a birdie and closes out the front nine at five under.
Harman goes two shots ahead!
13:10 , Chris WilsonHarman lands an impressive fifth birdie of the day with a birdie from about 15 feet, and he moves to -7!
McIlroy & Fleetwood settle for par on nine
13:08 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -2, McIlroy -1, Thomas E (9)
McIlroy sees his putt drift wide from a distance on nine and he takes par, while Fleetwood does the same after a birdie good effort leaves him with a tap-in.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
12:52 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -2, McIlroy -1, Thomas E (8)
Hojgaard -5, Olesen E
A very difficult birdie putt on the ninth for McIlroy and it’s a good effort, but he’ll be staying on -1.
Fleetwood has a similarly difficult putt and though he makes a good go of it, it skims the hole and lips out.
Hojgaard has bogeyed the 14th so he moves back to -5.
Elsehere, Olesen has basically put himself out of contention by dropping four shots on the first hole! He goes from -4 to level par.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
12:47 , Chris WilsonAberg -2, Hovland E, Spieth E
Another birdie for Aberg, another from about 30 feet on the ninth. Hovland and Spieth not keeping up with the Swede yet.
Par again for McIlroy
12:35 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -2, McIlroy -1, Thomas E (8)
Rory McIlroy looks a little fed up as he misses another birdie putt and settles for par again, staying on -1.
Fleetwood is looking far more positive as he lands a putt for par to stay a shot ahead of the Northern Irishman.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
12:32 , Chris WilsonHatton has been the most animated golfer on the course so far, with plenty of gesticulating and lot to say on each hole. It’s the same again as he misses a birdie putt on the 10th.
Elsewhere, English moves to -5 after a simple birdie on seven.
Harman back into lead
12:26 , Chris WilsonHarman joins Hojgaard in the lead!
He gets up and down with a lovely chip from the cut putting him within a few feet before he sinks the putt for a birdie.
Hojgaard twins performing
12:20 , Chris WilsonThe second of the Hojgaard twins is also underway for the day, and Nicolai takes a birdie on the second to move to -3.
Right after that, Rasmus moves to -6 after yet another birdie!
McIlroy makes par
12:19 , Chris WilsonA missed opportunity for McIlroy on the seventh, as he can’t convert the birdie chance and will have to settle for par.
Olesen tees off
12:16 , Chris WilsonJacob Skov Olesen starts the day on -4 as he tees off but he hooks it wide into the undergrowth. Not a great start.
Hojgaard & Hatton into lead!
12:14 , Chris WilsonRasmus Hojgaard has birdied the 12th to move to -5, with a simple birdie putt.
Hatton has now joined him too, birdieing the ninth. A fine front nine from the Englishman.
No movement for the other leader and some of the main chasing trio though, with Harman and English both on par.
Bezuidenhout has just missed a birdie putt to re-join those on four under.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
12:08 , Chris WilsonOnto the par-five seventh for McIlroy now, with this hole playing second easiest so far today. It’s a decent tee shot from the Northern Irishman.
He’s being held up by Hovland, Spieth and Aberg, the latter of whom just landed a great birdie putt to move to -1.
Par for McIlroy and Fleetwood
11:59 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -1, McIlroy -1, Thomas E (6)
Both Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy make par on the sixth too.
Simple and steady for McIlroy, though Fleetwood was impressive with the chip up the bank.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
11:56 , Chris WilsonNot a lot of movement in terms of scores, with Hatton, Rose, Harman and English making par on their last holes.
Macintyre is one who does birdie though, making it to -3 after a strong start to the day.
Lucas Glover has also started well. He’s on -3.
Leaderboard update
11:44 , Chris WilsonA brief update on the leaderboard at Royal Portrush:
1 - Harman, -5,
2 - Hojgaard, -4, 10
Bezuidenhoot, -4, 10
Hatton, -4, 7
English, -4, 4
Fitzpatrick, -4 -
Li, -4, -
Olesen, -4, -
McIlroy bogeys
11:42 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -1, McIlroy -1, Thomas E (5)
A second bogey for McIlroy today as his putt for par grazes the hole.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
11:39 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -1, McIlroy -2, Thomas E
McIlroy does better with his third shot and clips onto the green to set up a doable par shot.
Fleetwood’s birdie putt lands short but he should stay on -1.
Rose drops a shot
11:37 , Chris WilsonRose -2
Justin Rose has his first bogey of the day on six, and he moves to two under.
Some horrible luck as his approach shot ran backwards down the hill there.
Harman into the lead!
11:33 , Chris WilsonHarman has a birdie on the seventh after getting up and down from the front bunker, and he moves to -5!
He has an outright lead now too, as English misses the par putt but will take a bogey.
Rob MacIntyre has made a good start to the day and he’s on -2. He’s millimetres from landing a birdie on the sixth too, but the ball clings to the edge and he’ll have to settle for par.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
11:30 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -1, McIlroy -2, Thomas E
McIlroy lands in the fairway bunker with his first shot on the fifth. He gets out easily enough but again, he’s struggling for par here barring something superb.
McIlroy back to -2
11:18 , Chris WilsonMaybe McIlroy has sorted that long game already?
A stinger to tee off on the fourth and it sets him up nicely, putting him just over 150 yards from the pin. His approach shot is even better, landing him a great birdie chance.
And he sinks it! Back to -2.
English makes par, Hatton back to -4
11:16 , Chris WilsonA simple par for English to stay on -3. His group are a hole behind McIlroy.
Worse news for Tyrrell Hatton, who takes five on the fourth to drop down to -3. He can make up for it with the birdie putt on six though – and he does! Back to within a shot of the lead.
McIlroy bogeys third
11:10 , Chris WilsonFleetwood -1, McIlroy -1, Thomas E
Rory McIlroy does indeed drop a shot on the third after his second shot overran the pin. Still in the red, but he could do with sorting his long game out today!
English moves into lead!
11:07 , Chris WilsonHarris English sinks a birdie on two to move into an outright lead! He’s at -5.
The Open 2025 - Round 2
11:03 , Chris WilsonThomas makes par after a bit of a wait, as his second shot lands about as close to going in as possible without actually sinking. It’s teetering on the edge of falling in so the trio wait to see if it drops...
It doesn’t, and he taps in for par.
Fleetwood has gone under the radar a little here too, with a hat-trick of birdies! He moves into the red after a perfect start to day two.
Hojgaard bounces back
10:57 , Chris WilsonRasmus Hojgaard makes a decent putt for a birdie on eight and he moves back to four under. He follows up with a tee shot into the rough though.
Rose makes a fine effort for a birdie on four after a brilliant chip from the front of the green lands within a few feet of the pin. He stays on -3.
McIlroy’s tee shot on the par-three third lands awkwardly, just outside but on the edge of a green-side bunker. He gets good connection with the chip but it runs past the pin and it’ll be a difficult par shot.
Movement from headline trio
10:53 , Chris WilsonAberg E, Hovland -1, Spieth E
The big trio of Jordan Spieth, Viktor Holland and Ludvig Aberg have made a great start to the day, with all three landing consecutive birdies on the opening two holes.
Lovely putting from the two Scandinavians especially, with both holing from around 30ft.
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