Scheffler posted a 64 on Friday in the second round of the British Open, which had him just a shot off the course record in Northern Ireland. He left a birdie putt painfully short at the final hole, too. That moved the top-ranked golfer in the world into the solo lead at the midway point of the final major championship of the season.

Scottie Scheffler made eight birdies on another wild afternoon of weather at Royal Portrush, and the result was a one-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick.

Scheffler makes eight birdies during a 7-under-par 64 on another wild afternoon of weather, putting him at 10-under through two rounds as he chases the third leg of the career Grand Slam. Matt

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland, July 18 (Reuters) - World number one Scottie Scheffler conjured up a brilliant 64 to lead the British Open after an enthralling second round as home favourite Rory McIlroy's roller-coaster ride continued at Royal Portrush on Friday.

Another bogey-free round belonged to 44-year-old Justin Rose, in the group at 69 that included 52-year-old Lee Westwood, former Open champion Brian Harman and Lucas Glover, who was tied for the lead until a pair of bogeys early on the back nine.

There's been a big change at the British Open that has caddies and players perplexed. The R&A has decided to not longer have assigned greenkeeping crews with each group to rake the bunkers.

Forget the talk that Scottie Scheffler still needs to learn how to play links. On Friday, the world's No. 1 golfer could have taught a Master Class.