Royal Troon painted a grim picture Friday afternoon, but Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson took advantage of more docile conditions early in the morning to separate themselves from the field.
MORE: Leaderboard | Royal Troon images | British Open winners since 2000
The Open Championship is notorious for dividing the field by weather, and this year's edition has been no different. The players who drew late Thursday/early Friday starting times were basically the only ones left in contention after heavy wind and sideways rain wiped away the others.
After almost setting a major championship scoring record Thursday, Mickelson shot a 2-under 69 Friday to get to 10 under. He would have been in great shape to win his sixth major, but Stenson almost caught him after firing a 6-under 65 in Round 2.
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With a massive cut spread, the weather will play a huge part as the week goes on.
FORE! Jamie Donaldson finds the 18th grandstand with his opening shot #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/n1Bx3qNnRD
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2016
Here are the top contenders and what they need to do to stay in the hunt:
Phil Mickelson (-10) — After watching the afternoon wave Friday, it's hard to imagine anyone could finish the first 36 holes so far under par. Mickelson, however, looks completely in control of his game, and he's rolling in putts. Weather will dictate how he plays the next two days. Playing his own game will be important.
Henrik Stenson (-9) — Once Dustin Johnson won the U.S. Open last month, Stenson became the highest-ranked player in the world rankings to never have won a major. He's seemingly always in position, but he just hasn't been able to close one out. This could be his year if he remains aggressive.
They've pulled them out of their hats #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/Dsxu7sucVd
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2016
Soren Kjeldsen (-7) — Though Kjeldsen is the least known of the names at the top of the leaderboard, he may be the most dangerous. The Dane rejuvenated his career this season, and he's used to playing in blustery conditions on the European Tour. It will be interesting to see how Kjeldsen and Zach Johnson diagnose the course as opposed to Mickelson and Stenson bombing it down the fairway.
MORE: History shows Royal Troon to be tough
Keegan Bradley (-7) — Bradley was woeful on the greens heading into the week. The new anchor ban has not been kind to the former PGA Championship winner, but he looks focused and ready to contend this week. Bradley, a good iron player, will remain a threat to win if the course stays soggy.
Bubba derailed on the 11th. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/Vq8ApWFKsZ
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2016
Zach Johnson (-5) — In a normal week, five shots back wouldn't seem too exciting heading into the weekend, but when the cut covers a 14-shot spread, five shots back seems pretty good. The defending champion proved last year he can fend off a host of challengers to raise the Claret Jug.
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