Early Friday the rain shrouded Royal Troon. After the wet stuff subsided, the winds cranked up again, hitting 30-40 miles per hour and raking the field at the Women’s Open for the second straight day.
By time the second round was completed, only one player stood under par — Sweden’s Dani Holmqvist. Holmqvist, ranked 270 in the world, isn’t exactly a household name in the world of women’s golf bu after rounds of 71-70, she has all the attention at the top of the scoreboard.
She’s a shot in front of American Austin Ernst. She shot 70 and was tied at even par with Sophia Popov from Germany. Popov shot 72 to go with her opening 70.
Best round of the difficult day went to Minjee Lee. Lee’s 69 got her to one-over along with Lydia Ko (72-71).
The weather once again ruled on day two. Early morning players faced that heavy rain then the winds came, stronger than on day one. First round leader Amy Olson’s good fortune was crushed. Starting the day at four-under, she played miserably and finished 10-over for the day — 81. She went from leading at four-under to a shot inside the cutline. The 36-hole cut came at a whopping nine-over par.
Last week’s winner of the Scottish Open, Stacy Lewis, missed the cut after rounds of 76-77. Lexi Thompson (78-75) made an early exit as did Brooke Henderson (77-75) along with defending champion Hinako Shibuno
