Overview

• Brian Harman carded a 65 in the second round to reach eight-under par and seize a five-shot lead through 36 holes.
• Rory McIlroy shot a two-under 69 to climb to three-under, bolstered by birdies on the 12th and 14th holes in testing rain and gusts.
• World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remains one shot off the early pace after his opening-round 68 and tees off in the afternoon to challenge the leaders.
• Defending champion Xander Schauffele sits at even par after a first-round 71, while Robert MacIntyre surged to three-under with three birdies in his opening seven holes.
• Unpredictable links conditions and forecast weekend winds promise a stern examination of the field as the tournament heads into its final two rounds.