Suber extends Open lead as European contenders surge
American Jackson Suber holds a two-shot lead at Royal Birkdale, but English golfer Matt Wallace is mounting a serious challenge in favorable morning conditions.
Jackson Suber moved to six under par early in his second round at the 154th Open, capitalizing on calm morning winds at Royal Birkdale. The American, playing in his first Open and his first event in Europe, curled in a 13-foot birdie putt at the second hole to open a two-stroke advantage.
Suber arrived in form, having recorded three top-six finishes in his last six PGA Tour starts. However, history suggests maintaining his lead will be difficult. In the last 45 stagings of the tournament, only Mark O’Meara at Royal Birkdale in 1998 has won after trailing by more than five strokes after the first round.
“A real tester, unnecessary pressure,” said Nick Dougherty after Suber sent his 12-foot birdie putt three feet past the hole at the first. Suber made the par save to remain five under before his subsequent birdie.
Early starters benefited from the lightest winds of the day. “It’s very calm out there right now for Suber and the early starters, whereas it’s expected to gust over 20 miles per hour this afternoon,” reported Ali Stafford.
England’s Matt Wallace took full advantage, climbing 22 places up the leaderboard. “You beauty, lovely start that for Wallace,” said Richard Boxall. Wallace reached four under par after sinking a 21-foot birdie putt on the sixth hole, which played as the hardest on Thursday with a stroke average of 4.35.
Fellow English players Laurie Canter and John Parry also hovered near the top early in their rounds. Parry moved to one under after knocking his tee shot to three feet at the fourth.
While the European contingent pushed forward, world number two Rory McIlroy struggled. He ranked 148th out of 156 players in putting statistics during the opening round after missing several short putts.
Two players managed bogey-free opening rounds on Thursday: Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, who shot a 68, and Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan, who carded a 69.
