ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Whatever Cameron Young can do, Cameron Smith is trying to do better.
It was the 24-year-old American Young who was “low Cameron” and tournament leader after 18 holes at the 150th British Open with a bogey-free 64 at The Old Course, but the Australian Cameron had the hot hand Friday, carding a splendid 64 of his own to open a two-stroke lead over his fellow Cam.
Smith improved to a total of 13-under 131, the lowest 36-hole score in an Open Championship. He raced out of the gate with three straight birdies and six in his first 10 holes to climb the leaderboard after Thursday’s opening-round 67.
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“Got off to a really hot start,” he said. “And it’s very easy to just keep going, getting on the front foot and maybe trying to hit some shots that are a little bit too aggressive. But just stayed patient and holed some really nice putts.”
None more so than his highlight-reel putt of the day, a 64-foot right-to-left bending eagle putt at the par-5 14th to surge three strokes ahead at the time. Smith described his putting technique as trying to see the ball just drip in the front door of the cup.
“That’s always been the last thought of mine, is take a long, hard look at the hole and really feel the putt,” said Smith, who doesn’t bother to take a practice stroke. “I just get up there and really feel it.”
Smith wore the expression of a man who knew there never was a doubt.
“Once it started breaking pretty good, about 10, 15 foot out, I thought it would have a chance,” he said. “And not really one that you’re trying to hole, you’re just trying to get a nice easy birdie, but nice of it to pop in the side there.”
Young, who played his college golf at Wake Forest, conceded that he didn’t putt quite as well as the first round, but he carded five birdies en route to shooting 69. A rookie on the PGA Tour, Young is still seeking his first Tour title but he has been knocking on the door, and got experience being in the hunt at the PGA Championship on Sunday before ultimately finishing T-3.
“Rather be in second than tenth,” he said of being in contention yet again. “You’re going to have to play some good golf over the weekend regardless.”
Chasing the two Cameron’s is some serious firepower. Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (68), who is winless at the majors since 2014, and Norwegian Viktor Hovland (66), who is seeking his first major, are tied for…
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