Welcome to the wide open Open

Muirfield creates an uncanny and delightful knack of baring its teeth and it did so again today.

It was wet, windy – and formidable – the last time The Open was staged at the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers 11 years ago and was an equally daunting prospect and challenge today…under clear blue skies and a burning sun!

Just three players – Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel (both 68s) and Paul Lawrie (69) – shot in the 60s while in the closing stages of 2nd round proceedings, only nine players remained under par with wily old fox Miguel Angel Jimenez leading the way (-3) but just one shot clear of Henrik Stenson, Westy, Dustin Johnson and somebody called Tiger Woods.

Going into the weekend, this is going to be the wide open Open with so many players fancying their chances of lifting the Claret Jug. Provided they keep their nerve, composure and, most important of all, patience that is. Twenty players are within just five shots of the lead.

And you can’t rule out local favourite Martin Laird, the US-based Scot who gave a solid showing at Castle Stuart last week and is currently the leading Brit at -1.

Laird expects to receive and benefit from staunch support, saying: “I had great backing throughout today’s round and can expect more of the same tomorrow. It’s great to have the galleries on my side.”

The projected cut mark is +8 and sadly that means that English duo Justin Rose and Luke Donald (both +10) won’t feature this weekend and they’ll find no consolation in the fact they finished two strokes better off than Rory McIlroy who continues to have a torrid time.

It was a topsy turvy leaderboard throughout the afternoon and expect more of the same tomorrow – after all, Saturday is traditionally ‘moving day’ so more drama, trials and tribulations are guaranteed.

Last out will be Spaniard Jimenez and Swede Henrik Stenson and they’ll be preceded by penultimate pairing Woods and Westwood who should attract colossal galleries.