Saturday, July 09, 2011

GreenBkk.com World Sport | McDowell shares lead at storm-hit Scottish Open

McDowell shares lead at storm-hit Scottish Open

July 8, 2011 -- Updated 2146 GMT (0546 HKT)


Graeme McDowell hits an approach shot during his second round at Castle Stuart Golf Links, near Inverness.

(CNN) -- Graeme McDowell claimed a share of the clubhouse lead before storms cut short Friday's second round of the Scottish Open.

The Northern Irishman, who surrendered his U.S. Open crown to compatriot Rory McIlroy last month, fired an eight-under-par 64 to reach -11 along with Scottish surprise packages Scott Jamieson and Peter Whiteford.

However, world No. 1 Luke Donald and second-ranked Lee Westwood were four shots off the pace as they managed to finish only nine and 11 holes respectively.

McDowell, who has dropped to ninth in the standings, started with an eagle and two birdies in his first four holes as he took advantage of soft conditions at the tournament's new home at the Castle Stuart Links.

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"We realized conditions were going to be easy and it was going to be there for the taking a little bit," he told the European Tour website.

"The course obviously doesn't offer much of a challenge off the tee and there's chances galore, but the greens are tricky. I think the balance is just right. If we had been coming to a brutal test here maybe you'd be mentally worn out."

Rookie Jamieson, who has yet to earn a ranking, was four clear at one stage after carding two eagles but a double-bogey at his penultimate hole proved costly.

Whiteford, ranked 194th, also came home with a 66 as he birdied his last hole. The 30-year-old came through a qualifying tournament to earn his first appearance at the British Open next week.

Mickelson still shooting with young guns

Veteran Scot Colin Montgomerie, seeking to qualify for the only European major with a top-five finish this weekend, was tied for 25th on six under with nine holes still to play.

American Phil Mickelson kept alive his hopes of featuring in the weekend rounds as he carded 67 to be one shot inside the projected cut on four under, tied for 50th.

However, half the field still had to complete their round, so the three-time Masters winner's fate will not be known until Saturday.

American golfer Stacy Lewis took a one-shot lead at the U.S. Women's Open after a completed a weather-delayed three-under-par 68 on Friday.

The 26-year-old, who won her first major title at the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship in April, fired four birdies in her final nine holes to be clear of compatriots Ryann O'Toole, Lizette Salas and amateur Amy Anderson.

She was among 72 of the 107 players who had to complete their opening round at Broadmoor in Colorado following storms on Thursday.

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)

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