British Open, Second Round: Tiger Woods gets himself into contention at Muirfield
• The big story from day two of the Open Championship is just how tough Muirfield is playing. Phil Mickelson and Brandt Snedeker both had four-putts on the back nine, and the low score of the day was 68, shot by just two players. Muirfield is a test, but for two days it has looked more like the U.S. Open than the Open Championship.
• Tiger Woods got a chance to take on Muirfield early, and while it was still tough, he was able to post a round of even-par 71 thanks to a birdie on his final hole. Tiger has been in the equation at this championship during his major drought, but if there was ever a setup that looked fit for his eye, it is a Muirfield that puts a premium on hitting long irons into the fairway.
• Miguel Angel Jimenez was as steady as anyone on Friday, making two birdies and two bogeys and a lot of clutch par putts to get himself atop the leaderboard after two rounds. He has had success at this championship in the past, but this week he has a legit chance of winning his first major championship if he can keep putting the ball in play like he has for the first 36 holes.
• Lee Westwood looked like he was playing a different course for 12 holes at the Open, making six birdies and no bogeys and moving atop a crowded morning leaderboard. Despite the three bogeys he made over his final six holes, it was still an impressive round of 68 and has him a shot back heading into the weekend.
• Charl Schwartzel went from breaking clubs a day ago to getting into contention at Muirfield thanks to a second round 68. The big change for the former Masters champion? A putter switch after that opening 75. Now at 1-over, the South African is in a position to make a run at his first Claret Jug.
Some of the names that were atop the leaderboard after day one are basically out of contention after a tough Friday at Muirfield. Todd Hamilton followed up his first round 69 with an 81, Mark O'Meara shot 78 after his opening 67 and Tom Lehman struggled to a 77 in the second round after breaking 70 on Thursday.
The toughest round of the day in terms of legit contenders might go to Brandt Snedeker, who birdied the third hole to get to 4-under for the week. He turned at even-par for the day, but posted a second nine 43 to shoot 79 on Friday.
It was a tough week for world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, and this picture basically sums it up. Rounds of 79-75 meant the two-time major winner will not be around on the weekend, and it's back to the drawing board for the 24-year-old who continues to have a tough 2013.
"You win." - Phil Mickelson to Muirfield after his second round 74
It might not have been the best outfit, but it was definitely the most talked about on Friday at the British Open. Next time you rock these pants, Brandt, go with the all-white shoes.
The third round of the British Open kicks off on Saturday, with live coverage starting on ESPN at 7 AM ET.
