Australian Cameron Smith was unapologetic on the Old Course in St. Andrews on Friday morning. By virtue of a second-round 64 (-8), he climbed to the top of the standings heading into the weekend rounds.
His cumulative 131 shots (-13) put him two shots ahead of American Cameron Young, who was leading after the first round.
“It’s obviously a favorable position,” Smith said. I feel like I’ve often found myself in this kind of posture over the past few years, without ever really being able to complete the job. »
Smith’s day started off on the right foot. From the first hole, he exposed his intentions by putting out 47 feet for the birdie.
Smith made five birdies on the front nine, before adding another birdie on the 10e hole and an eagle at 14e hole thanks to a long putt. On the 14e hole, it was a 64-foot putt that put Smith to -13.
“I hit a really good shot, but I didn’t expect the ball to end up in the bottom of the cup. I just wanted to get close enough to the hole to secure the birdie,” Smith explained after his round.
After an opening round of 66, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy continued his good work Friday with a round of 68 to stay three shots behind Smith and the lead. Rory had six birdies and only had two bogeys in his day. He had a good streak to attack the back nine with three consecutive birdies between the 10e and the 12e trou.
McIlroy shares third position with Viktor Hovland at -10. Hovland posted a career-high 66 at the British Open.
“I have to get back out there and play my way for the next two days, that’s all I can control,” McIlroy said. If Cam Smith returns to the field and plays two more rounds like the ones he just recorded, then I will have a very hard time winning this tournament. I have to go back out there, do my best, focus on myself and hope it’s enough (to win). »
LIV golf player Dustin Johnson occupies the 5e rank thanks to a second round of 67. DJ even momentarily took control of the tournament at a certain time of the day. After starting his day with a bogey, Johnson made no mistake and had six birdies.
“I was very solid,” synthesized Johnson. “I have good drivé, I played some good shots with the irons and gave myself a lot of birdie chances. I missed a few short rolls for a birdie, but otherwise I did well. »
Johnson is trying to triumph at the British Open for the first time in his career. If he wins the tournament, it will be his third major title in his career, following the US Open in 2016 and the Masters in 2021.
The most recent US Open winner, Matt Fitzpatrick, rebounded from a lackluster first round. He gave up a card of 66 and he is seven strokes behind Smith.
Canadian Corey Conners earned his ticket to the weekend rounds with a score of 71 (-1). His compatriot Mackenzie Hughes, however, did not use the same luck, he who could not avoid the ax with a card of 75.
After an initial round of 78, Woods did better with a score of 75, but nothing that could keep the fun going. This is to warm cheers as Woods walked down the 18th fairway. However, he assured that he was not retiring.
