IRVINE, Scotland (AP) – Padraig Harrington shot a 4-under 68 to lead the Scottish Open by three strokes on 9 under midway through the second round Friday.
The Irishman is showing good form on the links a week before playing the British Open at Royal Birkdale, where he lifted the claret jug in 2008 the last time the major was staged there.
Harrington followed up an opening-round 67 by making four birdies in a light breeze and under overcast skies at Dundonald Links. He didn’t drop any shots.
Matt Kuchar, the runner-up in 2015, shot 70 for second place in the clubhouse, one stroke ahead of overnight leader Mikko Ilonen (74).
World No. 4 Rory McIlroy, on 2 over, was battling to avoid missing the cut when he teed off with Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson in the afternoon’s marquee group.