Shane Lowry keeps calm and carries British Open lead at Troon

TROON, Scotland (AP) — Shane Lowry found himself in a familiar position in the British Open, even if it required a detour that could have rattled him on a wild day Friday at Royal Troon.

Lowry took what seemed like an eternity to make a double bogey on the 11th hole. He recovered with two birdies over the final three holes for a 2-under 69, giving him a two-shot lead as the second round headed for a conclusion.

And now he gets to wait even longer before he plays again, a product of being in the lead and among the late starters on the weekend with the silver claret jug he won five years ago at Royal Portrush coming more into view.

He was at 7-under 135, two shots ahead of surprise 18-hole leader Daniel Brown of England (72) and Justin Rose (68). Lowry shared the 36-hole lead when he won at Portrush in 2019.