Golf – The 148th Open Championship – Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Northern Ireland – July 19, 2019 England’s Tommy Fleetwood reacts on the 18th hole during the second round REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (Reuters) – Tommy Fleetwood’s confident second-round 67 moved him within a shot of overnight leader J.B Holmes at the British Open on Friday.
The Englishman, yet to win a major, stands at seven-under after his opening two rounds while Holmes, who had completed 12 holes of his second round was a shot ahead.
Fleetwood, who grew up playing links golf at Southport, delighted the crowd with a birdie on the 18th and he acknowledged the support by doffing his cap.
Australian Cameron Smith pushed himself into third place, at six-under, with two holes remaining in his round.
American Brooks Koepka, a four-times major winner, carded a 69 to follow his opening three-under 68 and move within two strokes of the lead.
Reporting by Simon Evans, editing by Ed Osmond