SANDWICH, England (AP) — The world’s best golfers are encountering overcast conditions and a light breeze on the second day at the British Open. And birdies were proving hard to come by early on.
Collin Morikawa had a chance to set some records Friday, but had to settle for par on the final hole for a 64. His 9-under 131 put him three shots ahead of those who have finished.
The 24-year-old Californian was 7 under with four holes to play and needed two birdies to post a 61 for the lowest score in major championship history. But after going 27 holes without a bogey, he missed a 5-foot par putt on the 15th hole. He finished with three pars, and missed by one shot tying the 36-hole record at the British Open of 130.
Meanwhile, Will Zalatoris has withdrawn due to injury, a day after hurting his back while trying to hit out of thick grass on the 15th hole.
Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson went 28 holes before making his first birdie at the British Open. And then he made it two in a row. Two months after the 51-year-old became the oldest major champion by winning the PGA Championship, he shot 80 in the first round at Royal St. George’s. That was his highest start in 27 appearances at the British Open. Mickelson was even par for the second round, 10 over for the tournament.
First-round leader Louis Oosthuizen (OOST’-hay-zehn) is among the afternoon starters.