On a difficult day trying to keep pace with the many changes at the top of the leaderboard, Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke played their way back into contention in the 131st Open Championship at Muirfield today.
Montgomerie shot a course record 64 - over the newly-lengthened links - to catapult himself from his start position of three-over into a current share of fourth place on four-under.
It was a flawless display by 39-year-old who cited his eagle at the fifth as his catalyst for momentum. "The eagle at five got things going when I holed a 35-footer," said Montgomerie who was happy to speak to the media today, unlike after yesterday’s 74.
"To go from three-over to four-under and now be in a position to challenge is great," added the Scot who carded five birdies, an eagle and the rest pars.
Clarke had played his way back into the frame with a fine 67 comprising some of his best putting this season.
"It seemed to pay because it was probably the best I've putted all year. I holed from six feet on the first and another good one to save par on the second and that got me going," said Clarke who spent several hours on the putting green last night before returning again at 6 a.m. this morning.
"Hopefully I can keep doing what I am doing and give myself a chance for the weekend."
Clarke reached the turn in four-under but could only manage level par on the inward half. Still, his advances have elevated him into a current share of 10th spot on three-under having started the day tied 61st.
Moments ago Veteran Des Smyth added a 69 to his opening 68 which was good enough for a share of second place on five-under.
I’m very happy with the way things have going so far. I didn’t play as well as yesterday, but the key was when I went into the rough four times today, I managed to recover three times," explained the 49-year-old who is on course to surpass last year’s top 15 finish at Royal Lytham.
"I’m a little more in contention this year because I’m in it from the start," added the Drogheda star. "I love this tournament and now I have given myself a chance to take my chances over the weekend.
"If you can bring your A game to this course you can make a good score."
Smyth was in a share of second alongside Sweden’s Carl Pettersson, Denmark’s Soren Hansen - who won this year’s Irish Open - and Shigeki Maruyama from Japan.