ST. ANDREWS — World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defied brutal weather conditions to seize a one-shot lead over England’s Matt Fitzpatrick at the halfway stage of the 152nd Open Championship, battling torrential rain and gusting winds to card a second-round 68.
Scheffler, who began the day two strokes behind overnight leader Christo Lamprecht, showcased his trademark consistency with four birdies and a single bogey to reach 9-under par. Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, fired a bogey-free 67 to sit alone in second at 8-under, while Norway’s Viktor Hovland lurks three shots back after a 70.
Scheffler’s Masterclass in Adverse Conditions
The morning wave faced the worst of Friday’s relentless downpours, with play suspended for over an hour due to unplayable conditions on the Old Course’s saturated fairways. Scheffler, however, remained unshaken. “It was brutal out there,” he admitted. “But I kept telling myself: everyone’s dealing with the same thing. Just stay patient.”
Key to Scheffler’s success was his scrambling:
- Saved par from a pot bunker on the 4th after a wayward drive
- Drained a 25-foot birdie putt on the 7th into sideways rain
- Played his final 11 holes in 3-under despite worsening winds
Fitzpatrick’s Flawless Charge
Fitzpatrick, benefiting from slightly calmer afternoon conditions, carded five birdies—including three in his last five holes—to apply pressure on Scheffler. “I’ve never seen links golf this tough,” said Fitzpatrick. “But when you’re in rhythm, you almost forget about the weather.”
The Sheffield native’s precision stood out:
- Hit 15/18 greens in regulation (83%)
- Gained 3.2 strokes on approach shots
- Converted all seven scrambling opportunities
Notable Movers
Defending champion Cameron Smith surged into contention with a 67, climbing to T4 at 5-under. Rory McIlroy (71) sits T12 after a rollercoaster round featuring an eagle, three birdies, and four bogeys. Pre-tournament favorite Jon Rahm missed the cut (+7) following a disastrous 78.
Weather Woes Disrupt Play
The R&A’s decision to implement preferred lies (lift, clean, and place) drew criticism from purists but was deemed necessary after 1.5 inches of rain turned fairways into marshes. “It’s not traditional Open golf,” admitted R&A CEO Martin Slumbers, “but player safety and fairness had to come first.”
Key weather impacts:
- Morning wave averaged 3.2 strokes higher than afternoon
- Only 12 players broke 70 in Round 2
- Wind gusts peaked at 38mph during suspension
Scheffler’s Historic Pursuit
A victory would make Scheffler the first player since Tiger Woods (2005-06) to win six PGA Tour events in a season. The Texan has now held at least a share of the lead in eight of his last 20 starts. “I’m not thinking about records,” he insisted. “Right now, it’s just about handling whatever St. Andrews throws at us next.”
With more rain forecast for Moving Day, the stage is set for a grueling weekend duel between golf’s most consistent player (Scheffler) and a resurgent major winner (Fitzpatrick) on the sport’s most hallowed ground.
