The cutline has come and gone at the 147th playing of the Open Championship. Many top names in the world of golf, including Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas, missed the cut and will be leaving Carnoustie much earlier than anticipated. While the world number one and two pack their bags Kevin Kisner is now joined at the top of the leaderboard by Zach Johnson at 6-under par.
Fan favorites Rory McIlroy (-4), Rickie Fowler (-3) and defending champion Jordan Spieth (-3) all stayed within striking distance heading into Saturday. The ever popular Tiger Woods also survived the cutline and will play the weekend at even par. For the top-76 that made the cut and are still in contention for the Claret Jug, Friday produced many memorable highlights to close out the second round of the 2018 Open Championship.
Climbing into Contention
2014 Open Champion Rory McIlroy takes an early share of the lead with a birdie at the par-5 14th hole.
. @McIlroyRory moves to within one shot of the lead with a birdie on the 10th
Full scoring https://t.co/gVDayzkpiZ#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/83DiFbeQju
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
Tommy Fleetwood closes the round of the day with a birdie to take a share of the lead and turn in a 6-under 65.
What a round, @TommyFleetwood1 👏 #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/wFCPq9QXvm
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
After taking a share of the lead on 14, Zach Johnson took control of the leaderboard with a birdie on the 18th hole to get to 6-under for the tournament.
Zach Johnson is the clubhouse leader. Birdie on 18 sees him finish with a 67 and -6 at the halfway stage.
Full scoring https://t.co/gVDayzkpiZ#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/4XvzQ1e2A6
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
Just before he moved to 8-under (and prior to getting bit by Barry’s Burn on 18), Kevin Kisner converted a birdie putt on the 7th hole to move to 7-under and sole possession of the lead, albeit momentarily.
. @K_Kisner takes the outright lead with his second birdie of the day
Full scoring https://t.co/gVDayzkpiZ#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/Jz5wDY4q1K
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
Reigning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, Xander Schauffele, buries his eagle putt at 14 to jump into contention.
'Another dark horse!'@XSchauffele is making a move on the back nine.
Full scoring https://t.co/gVDayzkpiZ#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/hjFArHGsli
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
Streaks, Saves and Smiles surround Carnoustie
Jordan Spieth flirted with the leaders throughout the second round after chipping in from off the green on the par-4 3rd hole.
Jordan Spieth doing @JordanSpieth things. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/i0fTUpTZIr
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 20, 2018
Former U.S. Open Champion, and perennial Open favorite, Justin Rose came in clutch at 18 to avoid the cutline and charge into the weekend’s championship rounds.
Clutch from @JustinRose99 on the 18th to bring him inside the cut line, currently +3.
Follow the cut line https://t.co/gVDayzkpiZ#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/4U8Zvtjozx
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
Matt Kuchar surges into Saturday just two strokes off the lead after a round of 68 Friday culminating with a birdie on the final hole.
Birdie at the last leaves Matt Kuchar two off the lead heading in to the weekend.https://t.co/gVDayzkpiZ#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/mEskPLAptU
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
From the depths of a water logged bunker on the par-3 8th hole Keegan Bradley made potentially the best play of the day to save birdie.
Early shot of the day contender from Keegan Bradley?
Full scoring https://t.co/gVDayzkpiZ#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/OIuU4LgHBk
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
Perhaps playing in his last Open Championship, 1985 winner Sandy Lyle leaves his lasting mark on Carnoustie with a birdie on his final hole.
What a way to finish for @SandyLyle1 in what is potentially his last Open.
Thanks Sandy. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/xjmIm84yJK
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018
