Snedeker storms into Open lead
July 20, 2012 19:27:23 UK
Brandt Snedeker has yet to record a dropped shot at the Open Championship.America's Brandt Snedeker surged to the head of the field at the Open Championship by equalling the course record at Royal Lytham with a superb second-round 64.
Snedeker, who recorded a 66 on day one, rolled in six birdies, including five in seven holes around the turn to pile the pressure on the chasing pack and he is now 201.00 to win his first Major this weekend.
Previously I was chasing every pin and you just can't do that and get away with a good score here.
Brandt Snedeker
The 31-year-old, who had never previously made a cut at the Open, has rarely been in contention at the Majors, with his best finish a tied third place at the 2008 Masters.
Snedeker, who has yet to drop a shot in the tournament, told BBC Sport after his superb display: "I think there are two things (behind my improvement); I think the course is playing a little Americanised - there is not a lot of wind - and I have been playing a little more conservatively.
"Previously I was chasing every pin and you just can't do that and get away with a good score here."
First-round leader Adam Scott of Australia, 3.00 to win the Claret Jug, is just one shot behind Snedeker, after following up a 64 with another fine round of 67.
Tiger Woods is four shots back after recording a second successive 67, chipping in from a bunker on the final hole.
While Snedeker was enjoying a fine day, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy slipped away from contention with a 75, leaving him 2-over par for the tournament and a massive 12 shots adrift of Snedeker.
McIlroy is now 251.00 to land a second Major, while Luke Donald, who shot 68 to move to 2-under par, is 151.00.
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