Lowry Leads Open After Masterful Second Round

Ireland's Shane Lowry led the Open from English qualifier Dan Brown after a masterful second round at Royal Troon and world number one Scottie Scheffler and England's Justin Rose were moving ominously into contention.

Links lover 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 U.S. 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 40ft birdie putt on the 18th green to raise hopes of a first English winner since Nick Faldo in 1992.

American Scheffler was 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.

Several players made use of the relatively benign early conditions including American Billy Horschel and South Africa's Dean Burmester after rounds of 68 and 69 respectively.

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.

But Lowry was supreme, making birdies at the first and fourth and after dropping a shot at the fifth he made birdie on the treacherous par-three eighth known as the Postage Stamp.

American Patrick Cantlay shot a 68 to move to one under, as did Australia's Jason Day, while Canada's Corey Conners (-1) and American PGA champion Xander Schauffele (-1) were the only other players below par after 36 holes.