American Brian Harman, 2023 Open Champion and PGA Player of the year, hit six under 71 in Round 2 of the Open 2025 on Friday (Jul 18) to go top of the leaderboard. Harman, after two rounds, has total score of eight under which he achieved with six birdies on the second day at Royal Portrush. Harman hit a birdie on 1st, 2nd, 7th, 10th, 13th and 18th hole to add six under to his overnight score of two under after Round 1 at the Championship. Watch is final birdie below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Harman holes for birdie. He moves to seven-under and opens up a two-shot lead. <a href="https://t.co/J0h7w09W8l">pic.twitter.com/J0h7w09W8l</a>&mdash; The Open (@TheOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen/status/1946181927431536768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Harman started the day by making par-4 1st hole in three shots, immediately adding one shot to his overnight score. On the 2nd, he managed one under on par-5 to add another shot to his score to move to joint second place. After being even par at next four holes, Harman shot one under at par-5 7th before closing the front 9 with two back-to-back even at par-4 7th and 8th hole.Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-open-top-five-golfers-with-most-wins-1752841468580">The Open: Top five golfers with most wins</a>The 2023 Open Champion started the back 9 with two evens at par-4 and par-5 10th and 11th, respectively. He then made another birdie at par-3 13th before going even at next four holes - par-4 14, par-4 15, par-3 16 and par-4 17th. Already at the top with seven under after 17th, Harman added another shot to his score with one under at par-4 18th to close the day atop the leaderboard with eight-under after the first two rounds.Home favourite Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, started the second day at Royal Portrush with a birdie on the 1st and a par on the 2nd. Two bogeys at the next three hole, however, undid his progress. The former champion although gained back his two-shot advantage with birdies at 12th and 14th hole and closed the day with three under after two rounds.

Open 2025: Brian Harman hit a birdie on 1st, 2nd, 7th, 10th, 13th and 18th hole to add six under to his overnight score of two under after Round 1 at the Championship.

American Brian Harman, 2023 Open Champion and PGA Player of the year, hit six under 71 in Round 2 of the Open 2025 on Friday (Jul 18) to go top of the leaderboard. Harman, after two rounds, has total score of eight under which he achieved with six birdies on the second day at Royal Portrush. Harman hit a birdie on 1st, 2nd, 7th, 10th, 13th and 18th hole to add six under to his overnight score of two under after Round 1 at the Championship. Watch is final birdie below:

Open 2025: Brian Harman hit a birdie on 1st, 2nd, 7th, 10th, 13th and 18th hole to add six under to his overnight score of two under after Round 1 at the Championship.

Open 2025: WATCH | Former winner Brian Harman hits six birdies to go atop leaderboard

American Xander Schauffele won the British Open on Sunday to claim the second major championship of his career, just two months after winning his first.

The 30-year-old Californian delivered a faultless final round of 65 at Royal Troon on Scotland's west coast to emerge from a congested leaderboard and grab the Claret Jug.

Schauffele, winner of the PGA Championship in May, finished on nine-under par, two shots ahead of England's Justin Rose and Billy Horschel of the USA.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-bcci-announces-1-million-contribution-for-indian-athletes-participating-in-summer-games-742850">Paris Olympics 2024: BCCI announces $1 million contribution for Indian athletes participating in Summer Games</a>

"Oh man," he said. "Hearing your name called with 'Open champion' after it is something I've dreamed of for a very long time."

Schauffele had started the last 18 tied for second with five other players, a shot behind overnight leader Horschel.

Schauffele put together a tidy front nine under benign conditions on the Ayrshire links, reaching the turn at two-under par for the day after birdies at the sixth and seventh.

He then burst into life at the start of the inward half as his nearest challengers -- Rose, world number 62 Horschel and South African Thriston Lawrence-- began to falter.

Schauffele hit a sublime approach to the difficult 11th to set up a tap-in birdie before sinking a 16-foot birdie putt on the 13th to get to seven under alongside 27-year-old Lawrence.

Moments later Schauffele was in front on his own after Lawrence dropped his first shot of the day on the 12th.

The American then rolled in a 12-footer on hole 14 and suddenly he had a two-shot lead. That extended to three after a delightful chip over a bunker at the 16th led to another birdie.

Two closing pars sealed the championship as Schauffele became the first golfer to win two majors in a single season since Brooks Koepka in 2018.

Lawrence, bidding to join a high-profile list of South Africans to have lifted the Claret Jug including Gary Player, Ernie Els and Bobby Locke, had held a one-shot lead at the turn.

<h2>- Scheffler, Rahm thwarted -</h2>

Rose, chasing his second major title and England's first Open victory since Nick Faldo in 1992, briefly enjoyed a share of the lead with Lawrence after hitting three birdies in his opening nine holes.

But he bogeyed twelve before too-little-too-late birdies on 16 and 18 put him on seven-under.&nbsp;

America's Horschel suffered an inconsistent opening ten holes before birdieing the last three to finished tied for second with Rose.

Lawrence finished on his own in fourth at six under, while American Russell Henley was a shot further back in fifth.

Ireland's Shane Lowry, leader after two rounds, posted a 68 to finish four-under par and in sixth place.

World number one Scottie Scheffler and two-time major champion Jon Rahm both briefly threatened a run up the leaderboard but finished tied for seventh on one under alongside South Korea's Im Sung-jae.

Unheralded Englishman Daniel Brown, playing his first major, posted a three-over-par round of 74 for a tie for 10th.

A number of stars struggled this week due to the testing weather conditions, thick rough and well-placed punitive pot bunkers.

Rory McIlroy endured two miserable rounds to miss the cut on 11 over, extending his decade-long wait for a fifth major into 2025.

Three-time champion Tiger Woods also missed the weekend, recording his worst-ever performance at the Open with a 14-over score of 156.

US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark and Viktor Hovland also failed to make the final two rounds.

Home favourite Robert MacIntyre finished nine over after failing to repeat the heroics that secured last week's Scottish Open.

American Xander Schauffele won the British Open on Sunday to claim the second major championship of his career, just two months after winning his first. The 30-year-old Californian delivered a faultless final round of 65 at Royal Troon on Scotland's west coast to emerge from a congested leaderboard and grab the Claret Jug.

American Xander Schauffele won the British Open on Sunday to claim the second major championship of his career, just two months after winning his first. The 30-year-old Californian delivered a faultless final round of 65 at Royal Troon on Scotland's west coast to emerge from a congested leaderboard and grab the Claret Jug. Schauffele, winner of the PGA Championship in May, finished on nine-under par, two shots ahead of England's Justin Rose and Billy Horschel of the USA. Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: BCCI announces $1 million contribution for Indian athletes participating in Summer Games "Oh man," he said. "Hearing your name called with 'Open champion' after it is something I've dreamed of for a very long time." Schauffele had started the last 18 tied for second with five other players, a shot behind overnight leader Horschel. Schauffele put together a tidy front nine under benign conditions on the Ayrshire links, reaching the turn at two-under par for the day after birdies at the sixth and seventh. He then burst into life at the start of the inward half as his nearest challengers -- Rose, world number 62 Horschel and South African Thriston Lawrence-- began to falter. Schauffele hit a sublime approach to the difficult 11th to set up a tap-in birdie before sinking a 16-foot birdie putt on the 13th to get to seven under alongside 27-year-old Lawrence. Moments later Schauffele was in front on his own after Lawrence dropped his first shot of the day on the 12th. The American then rolled in a 12-footer on hole 14 and suddenly he had a two-shot lead. That extended to three after a delightful chip over a bunker at the 16th led to another birdie. Two closing pars sealed the championship as Schauffele became the first golfer to win two majors in a single season since Brooks Koepka in 2018. Lawrence, bidding to join a high-profile list of South Africans to have lifted the Claret Jug including Gary Player, Ernie Els and Bobby Locke, had held a one-shot lead at the turn. - Scheffler, Rahm thwarted - Rose, chasing his second major title and England's first Open victory since Nick Faldo in 1992, briefly enjoyed a share of the lead with Lawrence after hitting three birdies in his opening nine holes. But he bogeyed twelve before too-little-too-late birdies on 16 and 18 put him on seven-under. America's Horschel suffered an inconsistent opening ten holes before birdieing the last three to finished tied for second with Rose. Lawrence finished on his own in fourth at six under, while American Russell Henley was a shot further back in fifth. Ireland's Shane Lowry, leader after two rounds, posted a 68 to finish four-under par and in sixth place. World number one Scottie Scheffler and two-time major champion Jon Rahm both briefly threatened a run up the leaderboard but finished tied for seventh on one under alongside South Korea's Im Sung-jae. Unheralded Englishman Daniel Brown, playing his first major, posted a three-over-par round of 74 for a tie for 10th. A number of stars struggled this week due to the testing weather conditions, thick rough and well-placed punitive pot bunkers. Rory McIlroy endured two miserable rounds to miss the cut on 11 over, extending his decade-long wait for a fifth major into 2025. Three-time champion Tiger Woods also missed the weekend, recording his worst-ever performance at the Open with a 14-over score of 156. US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark and Viktor Hovland also failed to make the final two rounds. Home favourite Robert MacIntyre finished nine over after failing to repeat the heroics that secured last week's Scottish Open.

Golf: American Xander Schauffele wins The Open for second major win

India's Shubhankar Sharma finished T8 (tied for eighth) in the 2023 Open Championship - the best finish ever for an Indian in the prestigious tournament. While he has a couple of victories to his name on the European tour, the result at the Open, as his father Colonel (Retd.) Mohan Sharma said, is incredible.

"This result is the biggest and more satisfying," said Col. Sharma while speaking exclusively to WION. "His first win at Joburg (2017) got him the recognition and then he won the Maybank Championship (2018). He then led for the first three round at the WCG Mexico (finished T9). This result (the Open) is just the confirmation of his abilities at the world stage," said the proud father.

Shubhankar finished the final day without a single bogey on any of the 18 holes - a testimony to his skills despite the rough weather. "He missed some putts on the final day, even if half of them were in, he would have been 5-under that day, that's how good he played," added Colonel Sharma. "What stood out in the final round apart from going bogey free was his approach, the quality of shots and the selection of right clubs. It showed that he was fully there with utmost focus and concentration."

Talking about what next for the Indian star, Colonel Sharma said that as of now the golfer is content playing in Europe and will go to PGA events in time.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-probably-rank-this-higher-than-other-wins-says-shubhankar-on-record-finish-at-the-open-619720">'Probably rank this higher than other wins,' says Shubhankar on record finish at The Open</a>

"European courses demand a certain kind of craft and understanding&nbsp;which suits Shubhankar's style of game. He feels close to home in the the sense of expressing himself in Europe. It suits him better," said the golfer's father.&nbsp;

"PGA (USA events), however, remains the ultimate destination for the reason that the tour offers most points for the rise in the world rankings, so he will go, it's just the question of when. The things are in place for him and it is just a matter of time that he goes there."

The golfer had also acknowledged the importance of his family being present during that tournament and had said, "it wouldn't have been possible without my family. Their presence kept me grounded and calm during the tournament." &nbsp;

India's Shubhankar Sharma finished T8 (tied for eighth) in the 2023 Open Championship - the best finish ever for an Indian in the prestigious tournament. While he has a couple of victories to his name on the European tour, the result at the Open, as his father Colonel (Retd.

India's Shubhankar Sharma finished T8 (tied for eighth) in the 2023 Open Championship - the best finish ever for an Indian in the prestigious tournament. While he has a couple of victories to his name on the European tour, the result at the Open, as his father Colonel (Retd.) Mohan Sharma said, is incredible. "This result is the biggest and more satisfying," said Col. Sharma while speaking exclusively to WION. "His first win at Joburg (2017) got him the recognition and then he won the Maybank Championship (2018). He then led for the first three round at the WCG Mexico (finished T9). This result (the Open) is just the confirmation of his abilities at the world stage," said the proud father. Shubhankar finished the final day without a single bogey on any of the 18 holes - a testimony to his skills despite the rough weather. "He missed some putts on the final day, even if half of them were in, he would have been 5-under that day, that's how good he played," added Colonel Sharma. "What stood out in the final round apart from going bogey free was his approach, the quality of shots and the selection of right clubs. It showed that he was fully there with utmost focus and concentration." Talking about what next for the Indian star, Colonel Sharma said that as of now the golfer is content playing in Europe and will go to PGA events in time. Also Read: 'Probably rank this higher than other wins,' says Shubhankar on record finish at The Open "European courses demand a certain kind of craft and understanding which suits Shubhankar's style of game. He feels close to home in the the sense of expressing himself in Europe. It suits him better," said the golfer's father. "PGA (USA events), however, remains the ultimate destination for the reason that the tour offers most points for the rise in the world rankings, so he will go, it's just the question of when. The things are in place for him and it is just a matter of time that he goes there." The golfer had also acknowledged the importance of his family being present during that tournament and had said, "it wouldn't have been possible without my family. Their presence kept me grounded and calm during the tournament."

Exclusive: Shubhankar Sharma's father ranks his result at The Open as 'biggest and incredible' achievement

India's ace golfer Shubhankar Sharma created history at the recently concluded The Open in the United Kingdom. He finished eighth in what was the best result ever for an Indian at Hoylake. Shubhankar's T8 is also the second best finish for an Indian after Anibaran Lahiri's T5 at the PGA Championship in 2015.

Reflecting on his success at the Open, the golfer spoke to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo and shared what it was like to compete among world's finest in extremely tough conditions over the four days of the tournament.

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"I'd probably rank this finish higher than my wins on the European tour," said Shubhankar who had a bogey-free final day in horrid conditions. "You are always on the edge, especially the first two days when just one bad hole can take you out of the tournament. And the last two days the weather was very rough. There was incessant rain on the final day, every shot was tough from a wedge shot to a 220-yard two-hand one."

Also Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-lionel-messis-king-sized-gesture-towards-david-beckham-in-atlanta-win-619644">Lionel Messi's king-sized gesture towards David Beckham in win over Atlanta</a>

"I just tried to stay in the zone. Not Looking up at the leaderboard, not thinking too much about the shots. So yeah, considering everything, I am really happy with the my performance," added the golfer.

Sharma also spoke about the mental aspect of the game and said that it is always a challenge to stay in the moment at the Majors but the presence of his family kept him calm.

"It is never easy. You try your best to stay in the moment by retelling yourself again and again," he said when asked how did keep the overwhelming thoughts away after first round when he was 1-under and just two off the lead. "You try not get too elated or disappointed with a single shot and keep the level headedness throughout that is something which has worked well for me."

"However, it wouldn't have been possible without my family. Their presence kept me grounded and calm during the tournament," added Sharma.

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India's ace golfer Shubhankar Sharma created history at the recently concluded The Open in the United Kingdom. He finished eighth in what was the best result ever for an Indian at Hoylake.

India's ace golfer Shubhankar Sharma created history at the recently concluded The Open in the United Kingdom. He finished eighth in what was the best result ever for an Indian at Hoylake. Shubhankar's T8 is also the second best finish for an Indian after Anibaran Lahiri's T5 at the PGA Championship in 2015. Reflecting on his success at the Open, the golfer spoke to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo and shared what it was like to compete among world's finest in extremely tough conditions over the four days of the tournament. × "I'd probably rank this finish higher than my wins on the European tour," said Shubhankar who had a bogey-free final day in horrid conditions. "You are always on the edge, especially the first two days when just one bad hole can take you out of the tournament. And the last two days the weather was very rough. There was incessant rain on the final day, every shot was tough from a wedge shot to a 220-yard two-hand one." Also Watch | Lionel Messi's king-sized gesture towards David Beckham in win over Atlanta "I just tried to stay in the zone. Not Looking up at the leaderboard, not thinking too much about the shots. So yeah, considering everything, I am really happy with the my performance," added the golfer. Sharma also spoke about the mental aspect of the game and said that it is always a challenge to stay in the moment at the Majors but the presence of his family kept him calm. "It is never easy. You try your best to stay in the moment by retelling yourself again and again," he said when asked how did keep the overwhelming thoughts away after first round when he was 1-under and just two off the lead. "You try not get too elated or disappointed with a single shot and keep the level headedness throughout that is something which has worked well for me." "However, it wouldn't have been possible without my family. Their presence kept me grounded and calm during the tournament," added Sharma. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION Exclusive: 'Probably rank this higher than other wins,' says Shubhankar on record finish at The Open

American Brian Harman may have walked away with the Claret Jug on a gloomy evening at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Sunday with a dominant display, but equally impressive was the unwavering grittiness of Shubhankar Sharma, who finished as the only player with a bogey-free final round in demanding conditions to record the best finish by an Indian at The Open Championship.

Harman was never tested and won his first major with a score of 13-under par, six shots ahead of Korea’s Tom Kim (67), who played with a Grade I ligament tear in his ankle, world No3 Spaniard Jon Rahm (70), Australia’s Jason Day (69) and Austrian Sepp Straka (69).

In vicious weather conditions, where a constant drizzle made the golf course play extremely long and significantly different from the other days, Sharma was the only player who did not drop a shot. He finished with a one-under par 71 round and could have easily joined the group in second place, but could not convert several chances he gave himself with a magical display of ball-striking, especially over the back nine.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-mohammed-siraj-speaks-on-who-helped-him-take-five-for-on-day-4-618767">India vs West Indies, 2nd Test: Mohammed Siraj speaks on who helped him take five-for on day 4</a>

On the 12th&nbsp;hole, he missed a birdie putt from 10 feet, and then missed an even closer one – this one from 6 feet – on the 13th. But the one that really hurt him was the 10-footer on the par-5 18th&nbsp;hole, after hitting what he called his “shot of the tournament”.

Having laid up with his second, Sharma was left with a 203-yard third shot. His caddie Lyle felt he should hit a four-iron, but he was getting a ‘feel’ for a 5-iron.

“I was talking to my caddie quite a lot on that shot. We had a bit of back and forth where he said 4-iron but for some reason I felt like four was going to be too much. The feeling was very good today. I could feel how I was hitting it,” said Sharma.

“When it’s windy and rainy you can’t really go off TrackMan numbers, you have to feel everything. I just felt five would make it. I told him just give me five, I’ve got this. And I couldn’t have hit a better shot. Landed exactly just over the bunker, rolled up and a good putt as well. If there was one putt I wanted to go in, it was that.”

Sharma has won twice on the DP World Tour, but this eighth-place finish felt even more special.

“They were just very different conditions. However, this is the highest stage of golf, and it felt like this was a true Open Championship where we saw everything from wind to rain to slightly calm conditions to sun to cold,” said Sharma, who turned 27 on Friday.

“I’m very pleased that I held my own until the end. Especially the way I played today. For four rounds to keep it together to the end, very happy. A few putts could have gone in, but I also hit a lot of good putts coming in, so it’s fine.”

Sharma became only the third player from India to finish inside the top-10 in a major championship. Anirban Lahiri’s tied fifth at the 2015 PGA Championship remains the best showing in a major, while Jeev Milkha Singh was tied ninth in the 2008 PGA Championship. However, he did manage to better the Indian record in the Open Championship – a tied 27th&nbsp;by Jyoti Randhawa in 2004.

It was Sharma’s best finish in six majors he has played so far and also earns him an invitation back to the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. In his previous two Open Championships, he was tied 51st&nbsp;both times.

“This finish means a lot, and gives me a lot of confidence that I can play at the highest level, and I know what could have happened if I had made putts yesterday and today. I could have been double digits under par with the way I was hitting it,” said the Chandigarh-based pro.

“There’s so much more to build on. It’s exciting that it still feels like I could have played better than this. Which is very exciting for the future.”

Harman, who started the round at 12-under par, dropped shots on the second and fifth holes to slip to 10-under and within three of the chasing pack. But the 36-year-old knuckled down and made four birdies after that to finish on 13-under par, including a stunning 40-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole that came immediately after a bogey on the 13th.

The first major of 2024 season will be The Masters, to be played in the second week of April.

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American Brian Harman may have walked away with the Claret Jug on a gloomy evening at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Sunday with a dominant display, but equally impressive was the unwavering grittiness of Shubhankar Sharma, who finished as the only player with a bogey-free final round in demanding conditions to record the best finish by an Indian at The Open Championship.

American Brian Harman may have walked away with the Claret Jug on a gloomy evening at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Sunday with a dominant display, but equally impressive was the unwavering grittiness of Shubhankar Sharma, who finished as the only player with a bogey-free final round in demanding conditions to record the best finish by an Indian at The Open Championship. Harman was never tested and won his first major with a score of 13-under par, six shots ahead of Korea’s Tom Kim (67), who played with a Grade I ligament tear in his ankle, world No3 Spaniard Jon Rahm (70), Australia’s Jason Day (69) and Austrian Sepp Straka (69). In vicious weather conditions, where a constant drizzle made the golf course play extremely long and significantly different from the other days, Sharma was the only player who did not drop a shot. He finished with a one-under par 71 round and could have easily joined the group in second place, but could not convert several chances he gave himself with a magical display of ball-striking, especially over the back nine. Also Read: India vs West Indies, 2nd Test: Mohammed Siraj speaks on who helped him take five-for on day 4 On the 12th hole, he missed a birdie putt from 10 feet, and then missed an even closer one – this one from 6 feet – on the 13th. But the one that really hurt him was the 10-footer on the par-5 18th hole, after hitting what he called his “shot of the tournament”. Having laid up with his second, Sharma was left with a 203-yard third shot. His caddie Lyle felt he should hit a four-iron, but he was getting a ‘feel’ for a 5-iron. “I was talking to my caddie quite a lot on that shot. We had a bit of back and forth where he said 4-iron but for some reason I felt like four was going to be too much. The feeling was very good today. I could feel how I was hitting it,” said Sharma. “When it’s windy and rainy you can’t really go off TrackMan numbers, you have to feel everything. I just felt five would make it. I told him just give me five, I’ve got this. And I couldn’t have hit a better shot. Landed exactly just over the bunker, rolled up and a good putt as well. If there was one putt I wanted to go in, it was that.” Sharma has won twice on the DP World Tour, but this eighth-place finish felt even more special. “They were just very different conditions. However, this is the highest stage of golf, and it felt like this was a true Open Championship where we saw everything from wind to rain to slightly calm conditions to sun to cold,” said Sharma, who turned 27 on Friday. “I’m very pleased that I held my own until the end. Especially the way I played today. For four rounds to keep it together to the end, very happy. A few putts could have gone in, but I also hit a lot of good putts coming in, so it’s fine.” Sharma became only the third player from India to finish inside the top-10 in a major championship. Anirban Lahiri’s tied fifth at the 2015 PGA Championship remains the best showing in a major, while Jeev Milkha Singh was tied ninth in the 2008 PGA Championship. However, he did manage to better the Indian record in the Open Championship – a tied 27th by Jyoti Randhawa in 2004. It was Sharma’s best finish in six majors he has played so far and also earns him an invitation back to the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. In his previous two Open Championships, he was tied 51st both times. “This finish means a lot, and gives me a lot of confidence that I can play at the highest level, and I know what could have happened if I had made putts yesterday and today. I could have been double digits under par with the way I was hitting it,” said the Chandigarh-based pro. “There’s so much more to build on. It’s exciting that it still feels like I could have played better than this. Which is very exciting for the future.” Harman, who started the round at 12-under par, dropped shots on the second and fifth holes to slip to 10-under and within three of the chasing pack. But the 36-year-old knuckled down and made four birdies after that to finish on 13-under par, including a stunning 40-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole that came immediately after a bogey on the 13th. The first major of 2024 season will be The Masters, to be played in the second week of April. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: American Brian Harman wins Claret Jug; Shubhankar notches best finish for Indian

Shubhankar Sharma was made to battle hard on his birthday. On a day when he turned 27, the Indian withstood every challenge thrown at him by a blood-thirsty golf course, turned even nastier by a bewitching wind, to put himself into contention at the 151st Open Championship.

Sharma, who started the final major championship of the season and the oldest running sporting event in the world with a three-under par 68 on Thursday, finished with an even-par 71 on Friday to be tied third at three-under par total.

American Brian Harman shot an incredible six-under par 65 in the conditions, including an eagle on the 18th hole, to open a five-shot lead over local favourite Tommy Fleetwood (5-under). Austrian Sepp Straka was third at 4-under par.

It could have been a far happier outing for the Chandigarh-based professional, but for a debilitating double-bogey five on the par-3 17th hole. However, a clutch birdie on the 18th hole left him satisfied with his day’s work.

“Very happy with my round. In fact, I was seeing the scores, and when I played the first two-three holes, I felt the wind was definitely a lot more than what we played yesterday. I told myself a level par round would not be a bad round,” said Sharma.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-jets-coach-robert-saleh-would-be-shocked-if-qb-aaron-rodgers-pulled-one-and-done-618388">NFL: Jets coach Robert Saleh 'would be shocked' if QB Aaron Rodgers pulled one-and-done</a>

“Obviously, I didn’t want that 17 thing to happen and finish level-par like that, but if I look at it as a whole, I’m quite happy. Level par is good and I am still in it.”

The new 17th hole, with an elevated green with severe slopes all around and deep bunkers guarding both side with a waste area at the back, has troubled the best players this week. The only safe spot is the green, which Sharma missed.

“I hit an 8-iron there. The wind was quite strong all day, and the hole before that, we played about a 25-yard wind. It was a slightly different direction,” said Sharma.

“I just tried to be extra cautious, and I pulled it as well, which didn't help. Just rolled into the waste area. Didn’t have a way to get out from there. But I’m happy that I came back with a birdie, and level par for the day. I will take it anyway.”

Sharma wasn’t getting carried away with his position at the halfway stage.

“It’s only the second day, so it really doesn’t matter. Even if I was tied 50th, it’s golf, so you’ve just got to get up, do your process again,” he explained.

“Until it’s the back nine on Sunday, your position really doesn’t matter. You can’t lose a tournament in the first two days. That’s important. I’m happy that I’m in and around the top-10 mark.”

It’s going to be muted celebration for Sharma, and he is hoping to defer the party for Sunday night.

“Nothing today. Mom will cook. I think she will make some rajma and probably bake a cake. A few of my friends are here, as well, so we’ll just chitchat,” said Sharma. “They came today, so it’ll be good fun. There’s some work to be done at the range today, but after that we’ll chill. It was quite late last night when we finished the round, but tomorrow I will hopefully have a late tee time. At least I will have some time to relax today.”

World No1 Scottie Scheffler meeded a birdie on his last hole to survive the cut, which fell at 3-over par 145.

Last week’s Genesis Scottish Open champion Rory McIlroy missed a tap-in putt in his round of 1-under par 70 to move to tied 13th place, while defending champion Cam Smith of Australia hit a stunning second shot on the par-5 18th to less than two feet and made the eagle to get inside the cut and finish in tied 39th place at 2-over par.&nbsp;

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Shubhankar Sharma was made to battle hard on his birthday. On a day when he turned 27, the Indian withstood every challenge thrown at him by a blood-thirsty golf course, turned even nastier by a bewitching wind, to put himself into contention at the 151st Open Championship.

Shubhankar Sharma was made to battle hard on his birthday. On a day when he turned 27, the Indian withstood every challenge thrown at him by a blood-thirsty golf course, turned even nastier by a bewitching wind, to put himself into contention at the 151st Open Championship. Sharma, who started the final major championship of the season and the oldest running sporting event in the world with a three-under par 68 on Thursday, finished with an even-par 71 on Friday to be tied third at three-under par total. American Brian Harman shot an incredible six-under par 65 in the conditions, including an eagle on the 18th hole, to open a five-shot lead over local favourite Tommy Fleetwood (5-under). Austrian Sepp Straka was third at 4-under par. It could have been a far happier outing for the Chandigarh-based professional, but for a debilitating double-bogey five on the par-3 17th hole. However, a clutch birdie on the 18th hole left him satisfied with his day’s work. “Very happy with my round. In fact, I was seeing the scores, and when I played the first two-three holes, I felt the wind was definitely a lot more than what we played yesterday. I told myself a level par round would not be a bad round,” said Sharma. ALSO READ: NFL: Jets coach Robert Saleh 'would be shocked' if QB Aaron Rodgers pulled one-and-done “Obviously, I didn’t want that 17 thing to happen and finish level-par like that, but if I look at it as a whole, I’m quite happy. Level par is good and I am still in it.” The new 17th hole, with an elevated green with severe slopes all around and deep bunkers guarding both side with a waste area at the back, has troubled the best players this week. The only safe spot is the green, which Sharma missed. “I hit an 8-iron there. The wind was quite strong all day, and the hole before that, we played about a 25-yard wind. It was a slightly different direction,” said Sharma. “I just tried to be extra cautious, and I pulled it as well, which didn't help. Just rolled into the waste area. Didn’t have a way to get out from there. But I’m happy that I came back with a birdie, and level par for the day. I will take it anyway.” Sharma wasn’t getting carried away with his position at the halfway stage. “It’s only the second day, so it really doesn’t matter. Even if I was tied 50th, it’s golf, so you’ve just got to get up, do your process again,” he explained. “Until it’s the back nine on Sunday, your position really doesn’t matter. You can’t lose a tournament in the first two days. That’s important. I’m happy that I’m in and around the top-10 mark.” It’s going to be muted celebration for Sharma, and he is hoping to defer the party for Sunday night. “Nothing today. Mom will cook. I think she will make some rajma and probably bake a cake. A few of my friends are here, as well, so we’ll just chitchat,” said Sharma. “They came today, so it’ll be good fun. There’s some work to be done at the range today, but after that we’ll chill. It was quite late last night when we finished the round, but tomorrow I will hopefully have a late tee time. At least I will have some time to relax today.” World No1 Scottie Scheffler meeded a birdie on his last hole to survive the cut, which fell at 3-over par 145. Last week’s Genesis Scottish Open champion Rory McIlroy missed a tap-in putt in his round of 1-under par 70 to move to tied 13th place, while defending champion Cam Smith of Australia hit a stunning second shot on the par-5 18th to less than two feet and made the eagle to get inside the cut and finish in tied 39th place at 2-over par. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

The Open: 'I’m happy I’m in and around the top-10 mark', says India's Shubhankar Sharma

There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. 
&nbsp; 
It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. 
&nbsp; 
Smith, winner last year at the Old Course in St Andrews in sensational fashion, registered his first-ever LIV Golf title in Centurion Club near London less than a fortnight ago. 
&nbsp; 
Mcllroy, who was the champion when The Open was last played last played here in 2014, won the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick in Scotland last week. 
&nbsp; 
And then there is the former world No1 Jon Rahm, who is trying to make it a Spanish double, following his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
You can also add the only Indian player in the field, Shubhankar Sharma, to that list. He turns 27 on Friday and will be hoping for his double celebration on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
Last year, it was Smith’s unbelievable putting display that helped him edge Mcllroy and Cam Young on the final day. At Royal Liverpool, the title will probably be decided by who is the best off the tee and Mcllroy has an edge there. 
&nbsp; 
When he won in 2014, Mcllroy was in imperious form with his driver and brought the golf course to its knees by playing the par-5s to 12-under par for the four days, making nine birdies and two eagles en route to a 17-under par total. 
&nbsp; 
The course will play more difficult this year with the 10th hole being reduced to a par-4, but even then it will be to his advantage. With his length, the world No2 will be able to clear many of the fairway pot bunkers, some of them so deep that the only option would be to play out sideways. 
&nbsp; 
When Tiger Woods won here in 2006, he famously used the driver only once and plotted his way around the golf course like a game of chess – vying for positions rather than distance. 
&nbsp; 
A bit of the bite has been taken out of Royal Liverpool with the heavy rains over the past week. The fairways and greens are soft, which may not result in the nearly 60-70 yards of roll that was the case when the turf was bone dry. 
&nbsp; 
Smith may have dropped down from the career-high of No2 in the world ranking to No7, but that has more to do with the fact that he moved to LIV Golf, which has been denied ranking points thus far. He has shown time and again that his short-game magic is still intact, but it is the driver that has been giving him issues.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2023-ind-vs-pak-on-sep-2-headlines-continental-event-pakistan-to-host-four-matches-617529">Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan on Sep 2 headlines final schedule; summit clash on 17th in Colombo</a> 
&nbsp; 
The soft-spoken but fiercely passionate Rahm, who started the season winning three titles in the first seven weeks of the year, has cooled down considerably. He notched up a top-10 in the US Open last week and has done extremely well on links courses with his short game and imagination. 
&nbsp; 
We haven’t yet spoken of the reigning world No1. Scottie Scheffler is having a most incredible stretch, in which he has never finished outside the top 12 in 18 starts this PGA Tour season, apart from winning twice. That’s almost Tiger Woods-like dominance. The difference that links courses make would be a challenge, but the Texan showed he is warming up to them with a tied third place last week in Scotland. 
&nbsp; 
The resurgent Rickie Fowler and the consistent Viktor Hovland would be two players with the form and ability to upstage the favourites. 
&nbsp; 
Sharma, who has made the cut in his two previous Open starts, said of the championship: “It falls on my birthday week. I guess that is also one of the reasons why I like it even more. Even when I was a kid, The Open used to be a double celebration. The last time I played the Open at Royal Portrush, it was on a Sunday and a Friday in Carnoustie. This is a tournament that has always given me good vibes.” 
&nbsp; 
The tournament starts Thursday.

(Author:&nbsp;Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups)

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&nbsp;

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There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. Smith, winner last year at the Old Course in St Andrews in sensational fashion, registered his first-ever LIV Golf title in Centurion Club near London less than a fortnight ago. Mcllroy, who was the champion when The Open was last played last played here in 2014, won the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick in Scotland last week. And then there is the former world No1 Jon Rahm, who is trying to make it a Spanish double, following his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic on Sunday. You can also add the only Indian player in the field, Shubhankar Sharma, to that list. He turns 27 on Friday and will be hoping for his double celebration on Sunday. Last year, it was Smith’s unbelievable putting display that helped him edge Mcllroy and Cam Young on the final day. At Royal Liverpool, the title will probably be decided by who is the best off the tee and Mcllroy has an edge there. When he won in 2014, Mcllroy was in imperious form with his driver and brought the golf course to its knees by playing the par-5s to 12-under par for the four days, making nine birdies and two eagles en route to a 17-under par total. The course will play more difficult this year with the 10th hole being reduced to a par-4, but even then it will be to his advantage. With his length, the world No2 will be able to clear many of the fairway pot bunkers, some of them so deep that the only option would be to play out sideways. When Tiger Woods won here in 2006, he famously used the driver only once and plotted his way around the golf course like a game of chess – vying for positions rather than distance. A bit of the bite has been taken out of Royal Liverpool with the heavy rains over the past week. The fairways and greens are soft, which may not result in the nearly 60-70 yards of roll that was the case when the turf was bone dry. Smith may have dropped down from the career-high of No2 in the world ranking to No7, but that has more to do with the fact that he moved to LIV Golf, which has been denied ranking points thus far. He has shown time and again that his short-game magic is still intact, but it is the driver that has been giving him issues. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan on Sep 2 headlines final schedule; summit clash on 17th in Colombo The soft-spoken but fiercely passionate Rahm, who started the season winning three titles in the first seven weeks of the year, has cooled down considerably. He notched up a top-10 in the US Open last week and has done extremely well on links courses with his short game and imagination. We haven’t yet spoken of the reigning world No1. Scottie Scheffler is having a most incredible stretch, in which he has never finished outside the top 12 in 18 starts this PGA Tour season, apart from winning twice. That’s almost Tiger Woods-like dominance. The difference that links courses make would be a challenge, but the Texan showed he is warming up to them with a tied third place last week in Scotland. The resurgent Rickie Fowler and the consistent Viktor Hovland would be two players with the form and ability to upstage the favourites. Sharma, who has made the cut in his two previous Open starts, said of the championship: “It falls on my birthday week. I guess that is also one of the reasons why I like it even more. Even when I was a kid, The Open used to be a double celebration. The last time I played the Open at Royal Portrush, it was on a Sunday and a Friday in Carnoustie. This is a tournament that has always given me good vibes.” The tournament starts Thursday. (Author: Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: McIlroy, Smith gather at Royal Liverpool Golf Course as veterans look to stamp authority

While Rory McIlroy’s clubs are doing all the talking, the man himself has embraced silence. 
&nbsp; 
The world No. 2 is the talk of the town at the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. But the overwhelming favourite himself is not talking much. 
&nbsp; 
McIlroy was listed for the pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. However, a day after his fabulous win at the Genesis Scottish Open, he decided not to speak to the media. 
&nbsp; 
The thing is, everyone wants to hear from McIlroy. Not only is he the leading player from the region, but he also happens to be the ‘defending’ Open champion at Hoylake, having won the last of his fourth major title when the tournament was last played here in 2014. 
&nbsp; 
The treatment of the media, most of whom were not at Renaissance Club in Scotland last week, seems unfair and disrupts the plans of many who have travelled thousands of miles. Of course, he is ranked one spot below the understated Scottie Scheffler in the world order, but there is no doubt that McIlroy is the unquestioned superstar of professional golf. When he says something, people listen. 
&nbsp; 
From McIlroy’s perspective, he wants to focus completely on the job at hand. Ever since the Masters this year, he has been trying to avoid direct interactions, knowing there would be questions about the state of the game, and he’d have to comment on the continuing intrigue of the PGA Tour’s sudden volte-face on Saudi Arabia and their deal with the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-wrestlers-protest-saga-surrounding-brij-bhushan-singh-and-what-next-for-the-wfi-chief-617093">EXPLAINED | Wrestlers protest, saga surrounding Brij Bhushan Singh and what next for the WFI chief</a> 
&nbsp; 
McIlroy was almost the de facto spokesperson for the PGA Tour in its long-protracted battle against LIV Golf. Many things he has said, even if it comes from his own beliefs and convictions, seem hollow now that the circumstances have changed. 
&nbsp; 
Whatever the Northern Irishman says, becomes newsworthy. And because he rarely eschews his thoughts and emotions, most of what he says divides opinions. McIlroy feels all the chatter around him was taking something away from his golf, distracting him. 
&nbsp; 
The collective hope of the media would be that McIlroy doesn’t make it a habit to skip conferences. But these are not selfish thoughts of journalists, it is also important for golf that its brightest star continues to speak his mind. 
&nbsp; 
At the Open Championship, McIlroy is paired with Jon Rahm and Justin Rose for the first two days. In the first round on Thursday, they tee off at 14:59 local time (19:29 IST).

&nbsp;

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While Rory McIlroy’s clubs are doing all the talking, the man himself has embraced silence. The world No. 2 is the talk of the town at the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

While Rory McIlroy’s clubs are doing all the talking, the man himself has embraced silence. The world No. 2 is the talk of the town at the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. But the overwhelming favourite himself is not talking much. McIlroy was listed for the pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. However, a day after his fabulous win at the Genesis Scottish Open, he decided not to speak to the media. The thing is, everyone wants to hear from McIlroy. Not only is he the leading player from the region, but he also happens to be the ‘defending’ Open champion at Hoylake, having won the last of his fourth major title when the tournament was last played here in 2014. The treatment of the media, most of whom were not at Renaissance Club in Scotland last week, seems unfair and disrupts the plans of many who have travelled thousands of miles. Of course, he is ranked one spot below the understated Scottie Scheffler in the world order, but there is no doubt that McIlroy is the unquestioned superstar of professional golf. When he says something, people listen. From McIlroy’s perspective, he wants to focus completely on the job at hand. Ever since the Masters this year, he has been trying to avoid direct interactions, knowing there would be questions about the state of the game, and he’d have to comment on the continuing intrigue of the PGA Tour’s sudden volte-face on Saudi Arabia and their deal with the Public Investment Fund (PIF). ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Wrestlers protest, saga surrounding Brij Bhushan Singh and what next for the WFI chief McIlroy was almost the de facto spokesperson for the PGA Tour in its long-protracted battle against LIV Golf. Many things he has said, even if it comes from his own beliefs and convictions, seem hollow now that the circumstances have changed. Whatever the Northern Irishman says, becomes newsworthy. And because he rarely eschews his thoughts and emotions, most of what he says divides opinions. McIlroy feels all the chatter around him was taking something away from his golf, distracting him. The collective hope of the media would be that McIlroy doesn’t make it a habit to skip conferences. But these are not selfish thoughts of journalists, it is also important for golf that its brightest star continues to speak his mind. At the Open Championship, McIlroy is paired with Jon Rahm and Justin Rose for the first two days. In the first round on Thursday, they tee off at 14:59 local time (19:29 IST). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: McIlroy shuts out the noise

Qualifying LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;members will be allowed to compete in the 151st edition of The Open this summer at Royal Liverpool, the R&amp;A announced on Tuesday. Some of the more notable LIV&nbsp;golfers exempt into the July 20-23 tournament include past Open champions Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and reigning winner Cameron Smith of Australia. Also available to participate are Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau -- who finished in the top at 10 at St. Andrews last year -- as well as former major winners Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, among others.

"We have created an exciting schedule of events which takes in many regions around the world and provides the chance for&nbsp;golfers to earn a place in the Open at Royal Liverpool," said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of champions at the R&amp;A. "We are grateful to our colleagues at the professional tours for their support and look forward to seeing who emerges from each event to book a sought-after place in the Championship this year."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sania-mirza-ends-illustrious-career-with-first-round-defeat-in-dubai-tennis-championship-564450">Sania Mirza ends illustrious career with first-round defeat in Dubai Tennis Championship</a>

Tuesday's news is on par with what R&amp;A chief Martin Slumbers said in July. He said that banning LIV players was "not on our agenda." He doubled down on that message in October. "We'll go public in January/February with what we are going to do with regard to LIV&nbsp;golfers," Slumbers told&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Digest. "But if you want a guide, go back to what I said in July. We're not banning anyone. We are not going to betray 150 years of history and have the Open not be open. The name says it all. And that's important. What we will do is ensure that there are appropriate pathways and ways to qualify. "I'm looking forward to seeing Cam Smith tee-up around 9:40 a.m. on the first day of the Open next year. The Open needs to set itself aside from what's going in terms of disagreements and make sure we stay true to our principle, which is to have the best players in the world competing."

Qualifying LIV Golf members will be allowed to compete in the 151st edition of The Open this summer at Royal Liverpool, the R&A announced on Tuesday. Some of the more notable LIV golfers exempt into the July 20-23 tournament include past Open champions Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and reigning winner Cameron Smith of Australia.

Qualifying LIV Golf members will be allowed to compete in the 151st edition of The Open this summer at Royal Liverpool, the R&A announced on Tuesday. Some of the more notable LIV golfers exempt into the July 20-23 tournament include past Open champions Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and reigning winner Cameron Smith of Australia. Also available to participate are Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau -- who finished in the top at 10 at St. Andrews last year -- as well as former major winners Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, among others. "We have created an exciting schedule of events which takes in many regions around the world and provides the chance for golfers to earn a place in the Open at Royal Liverpool," said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of champions at the R&A. "We are grateful to our colleagues at the professional tours for their support and look forward to seeing who emerges from each event to book a sought-after place in the Championship this year." Also Read: Sania Mirza ends illustrious career with first-round defeat in Dubai Tennis Championship Tuesday's news is on par with what R&A chief Martin Slumbers said in July. He said that banning LIV players was "not on our agenda." He doubled down on that message in October. "We'll go public in January/February with what we are going to do with regard to LIV golfers," Slumbers told Golf Digest. "But if you want a guide, go back to what I said in July. We're not banning anyone. We are not going to betray 150 years of history and have the Open not be open. The name says it all. And that's important. What we will do is ensure that there are appropriate pathways and ways to qualify. "I'm looking forward to seeing Cam Smith tee-up around 9:40 a.m. on the first day of the Open next year. The Open needs to set itself aside from what's going in terms of disagreements and make sure we stay true to our principle, which is to have the best players in the world competing."

LIV Golf members allowed to compete in The Open