Scottie Scheffler enters the weekend at Royal Birkdale four shots behind leader Lucas Herbert after carding consecutive 68s. According to the Associated Press, the world No. 1 maintained a bogey-free second round despite missing seven birdie putts from 15 feet or less, signaling a strong tee-to-green performance that keeps him in contention for the claret jug.
Scottie Scheffler’s Ball-Striking vs. Putting Struggles
Scheffler’s second round was a study in precision from the tee and fairway, but a struggle on the greens. He recorded his second straight 68, but the Associated Press reports he missed four putts inside 10 feet. He only converted two birdies: a 3-footer at the fifth and a 6-footer at the par-5 14th.
“I did a lot of good stuff,” Scheffler told the AP. He noted that while he wished he holed more putts, his ability to create opportunities puts him in a “good spot” for the final rounds.
Marcus Plunkett: From Army Captain to Open Championship Weekend
Marcus Plunkett, a former U.S. Army transportation officer, successfully made the cut in his debut at The Open. Plunkett entered the final stretch at 2 over and secured his spot with a birdie on the par-5 14th and six consecutive pars to finish with a 71. He made the cut exactly on the number of 1-over 141.
Plunkett, who now competes on the Asian Tour, attributes his composure to his military background. He told the AP that the ability to “stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions” is the primary skill he carried from overseeing convoys to the golf course.
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David Duval’s Long-Term Strategy for St Andrews and Lytham
Former world No. 1 David Duval missed the cut after a difficult stretch around the turn that saw him play 6 over in six holes, resulting in a 77. Duval attributed his struggle to a “speed shock” after playing at Firestone in Ohio, where greens were rolling at 13.5 on the Stimpmeter. According to Duval, this caused him to leave his putts 6 to 10 feet short on the slower links greens.
Despite the exit, Duval outlined a specific roadmap for his remaining exempt years. Open champions are exempt through age 60. Duval does not turn 61 until November 2032. He intends to return for the following events:
- St Andrews: A planned return for the celebration of the historic course.
- Royal Lytham and St. Annes: The site of his only major championship win in 2001.
- 2032: A final walk over the Swilcan Bridge before his exemption ends.
Tournament Performance Snapshot
The second round at Royal Birkdale highlighted a wide variance in player momentum. While Scheffler and Plunkett advanced, others struggled to find consistency.
| Player | Status/Result | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | Made Cut | Two consecutive 68s; 4 shots back |
| Marcus Plunkett | Made Cut | Finished with a 71 to make cut at 141 |
| David Duval | Missed Cut | Shot 77; struggled with green speeds |
| Harry Hall | Missed Cut | Missed cut in all four majors this year |
Other notable mentions include Bryson DeChambeau and J.J. Spaun, who both made the cut in a major for the first time this year. Additionally, Tiger Woods returned to social media after 40 days to praise Tommy Fleetwood’s attire, specifically noting the Sun Day Red logo on Fleetwood’s light blue shirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are Open champions exempt from qualifying?
Open champions are exempt through age 60.
What is a Stimpmeter and how did it affect David Duval?
A Stimpmeter measures the speed of a green. Duval transitioned from a very fast 13.5 speed at Firestone to slower links greens, causing him to leave putts short.
Who is the current leader at Royal Birkdale?
Lucas Herbert holds the lead, sitting four shots ahead of Scottie Scheffler.
What do you think about the transition from military service to professional sports? Do you believe mental discipline is the biggest factor in golf? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into major championship analysis.