Westwood comes up short at Open
Lee Westwood couldn't conceal his annoyance today after a performance that he felt deserved better could only yield one birdie throughout his entire second round at the Open today.
In a round that was reminiscent of Phil Mickelson's opener yesterday, albeit without any dropped shots, Westwood plugged away at a rain and windswept St Andrews, but his only reward was the solitary birdie on the 5th that saw him come home one-under-par.
That leaves Westwood six-under-par for the tournament, and currently tied for fourth place, though with heavy hitters like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods rounds just getting under way, there's plenty of time for Westwood to lose ground.
After his round, Westwood admitted he felt: "I play a lot better than the score suggests. I think if I was on 11, 12 under par then it would have reflected how well I played."
Referring to the weather, Westwood added: "It's tricky. More challenging than yesterday." But the European No. 1 nonetheless expects to be "there or thereabouts," this weekend.
The good news for Westwood is that while the rain has stopped for now, the winds are only expected to blow harder this afternoon - conditions which are likely to prevent anyone from repeating McIlroy's nine-under on the first day.
Graeme McDowell shot seven birdies during his second round, but three bogeys meant the Northern Irishman, winner of last month's US Open, could only finish four-under-par on the day, five-under in total - currently leaving the 30-year-old tied for ninth place.
McDowell seemed happy with his round, commenting afterwards: "Generally I hit the ball really well." But when asked about the weather he was happy to dispel the myth that he relished playing in such trying conditions. "I might know how to play in it but I don't love it. Bring me sunshine!" he insisted, before adding that he was "really looking forward to a good weekend now."
Sergio Garcia made one-under-par 71, the same score he carded for his opening, to go two-under par for the tournament. The Spaniard could have finished higher, if not for a couple of late bogeys on the 15th and 17th.
But Phil Mickelson is only level par for the tournament, having shot one-under-71 today. The world No. 2 had a poor start yesterday, coming home one-over after a double bogey on the 13th, but he had a more encouraging round today, three birdies and an eagle on the fourth slightly undermined by four bogeys. The Californian is gradually improving, but is still only tied for 67th place.
Rory McIlroy's second round is now under way, yesterday's leader currently on level par after two holes. First round surprise early leader John Daly is also on level par, having played five, while Ernie Els has just made par on the 1st. Tiger Woods and Justin Rose tee off imminently.
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