Thursday's first round of the Open Championship saw a number of low scores as the weather was calm at Royal Troon in Scotland. That is about to change.
Phil Mickelson flirted with a major championship record 62 — he ended up with an 8-under 63, the 28th such score in a major — and 10 other players shot at least 4 under.
MORE: Mickelson in control | Open images | American winners
Friday promises to be more challenging. Wind and rain will make their debut in Round 2, according to forecasters. With so many players in contention, nasty weather could make things interesting.
Here are the top contenders and what they need to do on Friday to remain in the hunt.
Phil Mickelson (-8) — Lefty left us in awe. Now he still brings a three-shot lead into Round 2. His putting was miraculous Thursday. To win, it must stay that way.
Patrick Reed (-5) — Surviving a blustery morning, Reed proved he has the game to put win at Troon. At 25, Reed hasn't had much success in the major tournaments but he is too talented to stay out of the limelight.
Martin Kaymer (-5) — Few two-time major champions are overlooked as much as Kaymer — Angel Cabrera might have an argument — but the stoic German has the game to add his third. With Kaymer, it's all about how much he wants it.
Zach Johnson (-4) — The defending champion looked in control again Thursday until Mickelson showed up the field. Johnson was steady as ever, peppering fairways and greens to shoot a low score. His game is well suited for any weather, wicked or calm, moving forward.
The forecast
There won't be much change in temperature, but period of rain will affect play. Worse, wind gusts could reach 30 mph. Precipitation chances are 90 percent in the morning, slightly less in the afternoon. Rainfall should be light. Golfers on the course early will be less affected by wind.