K.J. CHOI carded his second straight 69 on Friday to secure a two-shot lead after the second round at The Senior Open Championship in Scotland.
Choi offset three bogeys with four birdies and an eagle. He took the lead after following a birdie on the par-4 11th with an eagle at the par-5 12th on a day where competitors battled 10-20 mph winds at Carnoustie Golf Links.
"It's still a tough course, every tee shot and second shot," Choi said. "My home in Dallas in the States, it's windy, very strong. I can practice my iron play, low ball, curving ball, right-to-left kind is a tough shot."
This marks Choi's third time holding at least a share of the lead after the second round on the PGA Champions Tour. The 54-year-old from South Korea is seeking his second Champions victory, his first coming at the 2021 PURE Insurance Championship.
Canada's Stephen Ames dropped to second place after shooting an even-par 72 to enter the weekend at 4 under.
Ames posted pars on all but two holes in the second round. He birdied the par-5 12th and bogeyed the par-4 17th.
"I think it was a bit tougher today, this morning, than it was yesterday afternoon," Ames said. "A lot more blustery. It was more going for the middle of the greens, 25-, 30-footers. It was tough to make birdies from there."
The 60-year-old Ames has nine Champions titles, including the 2024 Mitsubishi Electric Classic, but the Canadian has never won a Champions major.
Two-time Senior Open runner-up Padraig Harrington is tied for third after shooting a 2-under 70. The Irishman won the 2007 Open Championship and can become the fifth golfer to win The Open and The Senior Open.
"Three behind going into the weekend. ... That's where you want to be," Harrington said. " ... We've only played 36 holes. Feels like we've done 72 at this stage. Been a tough 36 holes with that weather and wind and you've got to all be on, and I'm sure it's going to be another 36 of tough mental fortitude to come."
Harrington is level with Australia's Richard Green, who carded a 72. Green, 53, is vying for his first Champions win.
Defending champion Alex Cejka of Germany shot 74 on Friday and is one of seven players tied for 21st at 3 over.
India's Arjun Atwal shot a 4-under 68 to card Friday's lowest round. — REUTERS