By Martyn Herman and Ed Osmond PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (Reuters) -World number one Scottie Scheffler conjured up a brilliant 64 to lead the British Open after an enthralling second round as home favourite Rory McIlroy's roller-coaster ride continued at Royal Portrush on Friday.

Harman won the 2023 Open and is contending again at Royal Portrush, but his introduction to links golf was rocky, at best.

Brian Harman took dead aim in a mild breeze and surprising sunshine Friday at Royal Portrush for a 6-under 64 that sent him into the weekend hunting another British Open title. He was called the “Butcher of Hoylake” when Harman won the claret jug at Royal Liverpool two years ago because the British press was fascinating by the Georgia native’s love for hunting.

The final men's golf major of 2025 tees off Thursday with the 153rd British Open. Here's what to know to watch The Open Championship for free.

The 153rd Open Championship kicked off Thursday from Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where the world's top players are competing for the year's final major