Brooks leads Scottish Open
GULLANE, Scotland (AP) — Some of the top names in golf were upstaged by a player ranked No. 528 in the world at the Scottish Open on Friday, with unheralded Englishman Daniel Brooks surging into a surprise three-shot lead after the second round.
Brooks rolled in a 30-foot putt for birdie on the last hole for a 5-under 65, which followed up a first-round 64 ”“ the lowest 18-hole score of his eight-year professional career ”“ at the links tune-up for next week’s British Open at St. Andrews.
Defending champion Justin Rose, 2008 winner Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry all shot 66 and were in a six-way share of second place on 8 under, a group that also included American Ryan Palmer (65).
Thomas leads at John Deere; Spieth surges into contention
SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Justin Thomas shot a 4-under 67 on Friday to take a 1-shot lead through two rounds at the John Deere Classic.
Thomas, a 22-year-old seeking his first career win, is at 12-under 130 total. Johnson Wagner and Tom Gillis are a shot back.
Jordan Spieth shot a 7-under 64 on Friday to go from at risk of missing the cut to moving within five shots of the lead.
Spieth, who will try for his third straight major title next week at the British Open, opened the tournament Thursday with an even-par 71. But he rallied with four birdies in six holes and an eagle Friday.
Yang birdies to top of US Women’s Open
LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — Amy Yang rolled in four consecutive birdies in a round of 4-under 66 for a three-stroke lead after two rounds of the U.S. Women’s Open.
While the bulk of the field tried to solve the sloping greens at Lancaster Country Club, Yang charged into the lead on her inward nine with birdies on Nos. 11-13. The 25-year-old South Korean was at 7-under 133.
Stacy Lewis, last year’s runner-up, and Japan’s Shiho Oyama were tied for second at 4-under 136.
Marina Alex, part of a three-way tie for the lead after one round, carded a 1-over 71 and was next at 3-under 137.
Karrie Webb, also first round co-leader, had a 2-over 72 and was in a large group at 2-under 138.
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