Shane Lowry Takes Commanding Lead at Royal Troon

Ireland's Shane Lowry led the Open at Royal Troon with a superb performance in the second round. He finished at seven under, two shots ahead of overnight leader Dan Brown. Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler also moved into contention with strong rounds, while many favorites struggled in challenging conditions.

Ireland's Shane Lowry led the Open from English qualifier Dan Brown after a masterful second round at Royal Troon, with world number one Scottie Scheffler and England's Justin Rose moving into contention on Friday. Lowry, the 2019 champion, rolled in a superb 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to complete a two-under 69, reaching seven under, two shots clear of overnight leader Dan Brown who impressed again 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. Rose went bogey-free for 29 holes and finished by sinking a 40ft birdie putt on the 18th green to raise hopes of a first English winner at the Open since Nick Faldo in 1992.

On the Ayrshire coast, Scheffler was warming to the task of lifting the Claret Jug for the first time, despite a bogey at the 18th that jolted his progress. Early starters faced calmer conditions, but winds increased throughout the day, hindering upward movement on the leaderboard and dashing several favorites' hopes.