The Open second round as it happened

1. Rory McIlroy moves to -12 and leads Dustin Johnson by four
2. Sergio Garcia, Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Rickie Fowler -6
3. Tiger Woods birdies the last to finish +2 and right on the cut mark
4. Marc Warren -5; Adam Scott -3; Justin Rose -2; Phil Mickelson level
5. Players to miss the cut at +2: Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter Bubba Watson

Birkenhead amateur John Singleton birdies the last for a sparkling round of 70. He misses the cut by two shots but what a week it's been for the factory worker, who may never experience the like again. His playing partner, Scotland's Marc Warren, will be back on Saturday after an even more impressive 68 left him five under, seven shots off the lead and in a tie for ninth. Warren's former swing coach? The sadly departed Bob Torrance. Night.

Leaders: -12 Rory McIlroy; -8 Dustion Johnson; -6 Sergio Garcia, Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Rickie Fowler.

We have a two-tee start on Saturday, because of the expected bad weather - first tees are 0900 BST, BBC coverage starts at 1000. Sir Nick Faldo is in with a 77 for +9 overall, he'll presumably be in a commentary box for the rest of the weekend.

Get involved

Here are some more favourites from BBC Sport's Ken Brown after his Q&A session on Twitter earlier today.

Daniel Trotter: Clearly the wind has picked up, who do you think is the best wind player in the field this year?

KB: I'd say Sergio Garcia - he's a wonderful ball striker in the wind.

Jamie Kellett: Who decides where the pin is each day and When do the players find out where it is?

KB: They can find out from 5am on the day's play, when they're released by the R&A.

Jess CB: Have you ever played a shot out of a tree a la Bernhard Langer's effort at Fulford in 1981?

KB: No, although I have chipped of gorse bushes and all sorts of other stupid spots.

Get involved

BBC

So at 12:45 BST, BBC Sport's Ken Brown answered your golfing questions on the BBC Sport Twitter page when you used #kenonthecourse

Here's a selection of the favourites:

Eoin Cooper Marsh: Who would bring home the bacon amongst the BBC team in a match these days?

KB: It certainly wouldn't be me. I think it would be Mark James.

LinksRobbie: What course not on the open rota would you like to see added?

KB: I'd like to see Royal Dornoch added, and Harpenden Common Golf Club.

Weather-wise, it's looking rotten - at least for the early starters on Saturday. Thundery showers are expected, with torrential downpours and hail also likely. Luckily for the leaders, it's expected to dry out later on - Rory McIlroy bombing into damp greens could be a sight to behold.

Watch McIlroy's best shots

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Rory McIlroy carded a second successive round of 66 to secure a commanding four-shot lead on 12 under heading into the weekend.

Watch his top five shots by clicking here.

Sad news about super-coach Bob Torrance, who died today. Bob coached his son Sam and many, many others, including two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington, former world number one Ian Woosnam, the great Seve Ballesteros, Sir Sean Connery and many ordinary Sunday hackers.

Shot of the day

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Sergio Garcia holes out with a stunning approach shot on hole two of his second round at the Open Championship at Hoylake.

After a round of 68 on Thursday, an early eagle on the par-four second was the perfect start for the Spaniard still hunting his first major title.

Watch it by clicking on this link.

Good to see local hero John Singleton enjoying himself today - the resin factory worker came through regional qualifying in Cheshire and is one under for the day through 16, after a 78 on Thursday.

McIlroy leads the Open by four on 12 under

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"The late starters yesterday and early starters today were burned by the draw but there's nothing you can do.

"Rory McIlroy's play is phenomenal. He not only drives it further than most, it's straighter too. He's chipping well, putting well and using his head.

"He probably was a little bit anxious. When you hit a bogey at the first and misjudge it quite badly. He got up and down at the third and then when he birdied the fifth he settled down and saw that there were birdies in him.

"He was purring along on the back nine and it was just a case of how many birdies he was going to make coming in."

Rory McIlroy banishes curse of 'Freaky Friday' and a pheasant first

BBC Radio 5 live

Rory McIlroy spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after a second consecutive six-under-par 66 to lead the Open by four shots from American Dustin Johnson.

On the curse of 'Freaky Friday': "I think you guys were making a bigger deal out of it than I was. But, yeah, I played really well. Overall, another, really, really good day."

On waiting at the eighth green until a pheasant allowed him to putt: "There's a first time for everything. I'm sure there have been some swans or geese or something but never a pheasant."

On feeling in prime form, physically and mentally: "It's good. I've been lucky enough to have this feeling at majors before and hopefully I'll be able to do it again.

"It gives me a lot of confidence, I haven't been in this position before in an Open championship though I feel really in control of my golf game."

It's a 68 for 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen, he's six under and six behind leader McIlroy. Graeme McDowell cards a 69 for level.

Leader McIlroy enjoys Open challenge

Reuters

Rory McIlroy speaking to BBC Sport after a second successive round of 66 helped him take a four-shot lead on 12 under: "Watching the coverage this morning it looked tough, they were struggling for birdies and to make ground. I just wanted to stick to my gameplan. I had a shaky start with a bogey at the start but settled in and just played really well.

"Bogeying the first, I think I had 85 yards to the pin for my second shot, it wasn't the best start but I knew I was playing well and was just telling myself to stick to my gameplan and do what I can do.

"Depending on what weather we get, I'm looking forward to it. I've been in this position before and enjoyed it and I'll try to enjoy it again. My self belief knowing I've been here before that will stand me in good stead over the weekend."

Dubuisson makes birdie number six at 16 and moves into a tie for 14th on three under par. Three-time champion Sir Nick Faldo is eight over through 16, only one birdie in two days for the old master.

Catch the birdie

EPA

Did you miss the pheasant interrupting Open leader Rory McIlroy's putt on the eighth hole? Well, it's been clipped up and you can watch it here on the BBC Sport website.

Not many Frenchmen out there today but Victor Dubuisson is going well, four under through 16 and two under for the week. Stephen Gallacher drops in a long par putt on 17 to stay two under, McDowell finds the sand with his second at 18. Oosthuizen joins him.

Molinari 'proud' of back nine fightback

Reuters

Francesco Molinari speaking to BBC Sport after shooting a round of 70 that leaves him six under par with a share of third place going into the weekend:

"It was very tough but I'm very proud the way I fought back on the back nine," said the Italian. "It's great to see how I recovered, played some really good golf on the back nine and I'm happy with what I did.

"I usually keep an eye on the leaderboard but it's still tough conditions out there. You need to be 100% focused on what you're doing.

"It's nice to be up there with my brother Edoardo. Matteo didn't have a great day today but he can still recover and it's great to see for my brother and for Italian golf in general."

Leaderboard

BBC

Selected others: -5: Louis Oosthuizen (SA), Jim Furyk (US), George Coetzee (SA), -4: Robert Karlsson (Swe), Hideki Matsuyama (Jap), Jmimy Walker (US), Marc Warren (Sco); -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Edoardo Molinari (Ita), (SA);-2: Justin Rose (Eng), Stephen Gallacher (Sco), Matteo Manassero (Ita)

-1: Shane Lowry (Ire); Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Darren Clarke (NI); +1: Henrik Stenson (Swe); +2 Tiger Woods (US), Luke Donald (Eng); +3 Ian Poulter (Eng)

Projected cut: +2

Set to miss cut: Lee Westwood (Eng), Bubba Watson (US), Ernie Els (SA)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

Fly on the wall (mic) coverage

We do our best to bring you up close and personal coverage and some of you are loving the constant buzzing noise today as it appears a bee, wasp or fly has set up camp next to one of the microphones.

Jamie Morrall on Twitter: ‏Seriously, how loveable is the BBC Open 'Fly'? Bring him back for the weekend. What a character.

James Blake: Is there a fly in the commentary box at 18?

Ok, not all of you.

Jane Wood: Send someone to @Morrisons for fly spray!!

Chris Donnell: They need to kill the fly that's near the microphone on the golf coverage! Annoying!

Still, it makes you want to fetch the picnic basket, graze in some hay and soak up the rays doesn't it? Make the most of it, tomorrow the weather doesn't look so appealing.

Dustin Johnson cards 65 for -8, four behind McIlroy

Marc Warren with a slip-slider down the hill on 15 and that's a neat effort, he'll remain four under. Poulter makes birdie at the last to move to +3, but it doesn't look like it will be enough for a weekend spot. Jimmy Walker in with a 71, including five birdies on the back nine, and he's four under. Dustin finishes with birdie for a 65 and eight over for the week - not a single bogey on his card and he heads into the weekend four behind leader McIlroy.

Marc Warren rolls in a birdie on 14 and the Scot moves to -4, eight off the lead. Another birdie for Matt Kuchar at 16, he moves back into the red. Alas, Ian Poulter made bogey on 17, found a bunker on 18 and looks set to miss the weekend.

Tiger hopes to echo Paul Lawrie magic at 1999 Open

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Tiger Woods after a 77 left him two over par, way behind leader Rory McIlroy, told BBC Radio 5 live: "I got off to a terrible start again. I had some opportunities but I never made anything. I had myself in good position to make birdies but I never did.

"Hopefully I can do something like Paul did in 1999, make up 10 in one day."

Paul Lawrie clinched the title at Carnoustie when he came from 10 shots behind.

Vote result

BBC

Earlier we asked you which is the best venue for The Open.

Unsurprisingly, 51.5% of you chose the Home of Golf, St Andrews, while Carnoustie came second with 10.2% of the votes. 8.2% said other - perhaps fans of Sandwich and Royal Lytham...

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent at Hoylake

Not to diminish his (Rory McIlroy's) performance but the draw has fallen his way. He will have a soft golf course to play on tomorrow just as the rain stops falling. It's made for him.

These performances echo what Martin Kaymer did at Pinehurst. So it's definitely within McIlroy's compass to run away from this position.

Martin Kaymer took a six-shot lead into the weekend at last month's US Open and coasted to victory by eight strokes.

McIlroy cards a second 66 for -12, leads by five

McIlroy with his six-footer at the last... in it goes - the Northern Irishman is 12 under after two rounds of 66 and leads Dustin Johnson, in second, by five.

Leaders: -12 - Rory McIlroy; -7 - Dustin Johnson; -6 - Sergio Garcia, Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Rickie Fowler.

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

Matsuyama floating one in from just off the green, could be another shot gone for the young Japanese player... misses from 12 feet, that's a six, a round of 74 and -1 for the tournament. Spieth misses his birdie attempt and that's a 75 for +2, he'll be here this weekend. Just.

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"Supposedly this is "dodgy Friday" for Rory McIlroy but after a few problems on the early holes he has looked majestic."

McIlroy is playing his third from the middle of the 18th fairway, should get this close and get up and down... clipped it, looks like it's going to race by but puts on the breaks and finishes six or seven feet from the pin.

Jay Townsend

Former European Tour golfer on BBC Radio 5 live

So is it Rory McIlroy's to lose already?

"It's way too early for that. But you know what, people count their eggs before they hatch. I was called contrary yesterday, but I think I was right.

"He looks like he's in control, he has a timing swing and when his timing is good, when he's in sync, even if everybody else plays to the best of their ability he wins by five or six."

Rory McIlroy clips out of the rough and, from the middle of the fairway, has a great shout at a final birdie of the day. Seconds later Dustin Johnson finishes off from a couple of feet at 17 to move to seven under.

Schwartzel moves to -6

South African Charl Schwartzel finishes with three straight birdies to make a 67 that sees him join the bunch with a share of second, five shots behind Rory McIlroy.

PA

Dustin Johnson (-6) looks set to continue his charge, pitching to within a few feet on 17 as he looks for a sixth birdie of his bogey-free day.

McIlroy on the 18th

Leaders: -11 - Rory McIlroy; -6 - Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore, Louis Oosthuizen and Rickie Fowler

One more hole for McIlroy and here he is chucking the kitchen sink at another one on 18... dragged it left, playing out of some cabbage...

McIlroy birdies 17, moves to -11 and leads by four

Scotland's Marc Warren moves to three under par with back-to-back birdies at 11 and 12. Matsuyama leaves himself with too much work to do at 17 and he drops back to -2. Jimmy Walker is four under after a birdie at 16. He was six off the lead, he's not seven, McIlroy squeezed in that birdie putt on 17...

AFP

McIlroy with his second at 17, he has a mere wedge in and he caresses it to within 10 feet. Johnson for birdie at 16... leaves it right from six or seven feet and stays -6. Poulter moves to +3 with a birdie on 16, he could do with another one to make sure.

Leaders: Rory McIlroy -10; Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore, Louis Oosthuizen and Rickie Fowler -6

Peter Alliss

BBC Sport commentator

"Whether he wants to be or not Tiger's here for the weekend but I'm sure he'd rather be here than not."

Woods birdies 18th to make cut

Stenson will be hear this weekend, he makes birdie at the last for a 73 and +1 overall. Here's Woods with an eight-footer... nails it! He's here for the weekend, just inside the cut line. But it's a round of 77 and his game is very far from where it once was. Cabrera is also around for the weekend after a smart round of 69, and let's just say he looks far more excited about the prospect than Tiger does.

Vital putt for Woods

Woods, who faces a tricky chip over a bunker, has never missed two cuts in a row as a pro and he's got a nasty one coming back for birdie. Massive. Schwartzel makes birdie on 17 to get back to -5 and into a tie for eighth.

McIlroy makes that saver on 16 and that was a handy bit of scrambling from the leader. Woods looks to be toast - his approach at 18 misses to the right and the look on his face says it all: "Where on earth name did my game go?"

Reuters

McIlroy with the big furniture on 17 and he ding-dongs one down there, that's absolutely gigantic, he's got about 50 yards left. "I want what he's having," says Peter Alliss. I'll gladly take the crumbs from the table...

The bearded Casey for eagle on 18 - uphill, leaves it just left, but will pop in for a round of 71, one over and a weekend spot. Matsuyama for birdie at 16 and his long-range effort curls a little too soon. Jordan Spieth misses his birdie attempt at 16 and stays +2.

Will Woods makes the cut?

Woods safely away down the 18th, gives himself a chance. Ian Poulter bogeys 15 and is four over, in serious danger of falling through the trap door. McIlroy's fourth from the green-side bunker at 16... pleasant, leaves himself about five feet.

Matt Kuchar of the United States has birdied 10 and 13 and is back to level after 14. Oosthuizen on tee at 15, after a handy effort by McDowell. Dustin Johnson has smoked his tee shot at 16, he could reach the green from there and give himself a chance of an eagle.

Woods makes triple at 17, currently missing cut

Graeme McDowell is making himself safe, another birdie on 14 gets him to level. Not looking good for Ian Poulter, he's three over after 14 and needs something over the last few holes.

Reuters

Tiger for double-bogey from about 30 feet on 17... leaves it left, moves out to +3, which means he's currently missing the cut.

McIlroy can only plonk out of that pot bunker on 16, he's going with five wood with his third... he has hit the cover off that, only to find the bunker front-left...

Garcia and Fowler finish six under, tied for second

Oosthuizen let a shot go at 13 to drop back to -5. McIlroy on tee at 16, he's going with the big dog... and found a pot bunker. Donald needs this birdie putt at the last and makes it - pump of the fist, a round of 73, +2 overall, should be enough to make the cut. Garcia bends in a birdie at the last for a round of 70 and a share of second on six under, alongside Fowler, who missed a makeable birdie putt for another 69.

Leader McIlroy birdies 15, moves to -10

Woods was out of bounds right off the tee at 17 and his second effort has gone straight left. It's quite sad to see. Dustin remains -6 after a par at 14, I believe, McIlroy has moved into double figures after a birdie on 15 - four ahead of the pack now.

Leaders: Rory McIlroy -10; Dustin Johnson, Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore and Rickie Fowler -6

Get involved

Austin Gayer on Twitter: That bee is going to get the sound man soon.....

Indeed Austin, there's been quite a buzz around Hoylake all day and it's been the hottest day of the year in England.

South African Louis Oosthuizen is another name not going away, the 2010 champion well in contention at five under and still out on the course.

Mark Marlow: Never count out Oosthuizen, a proven Open champion.

Furyk cards 71 for -5 and tied for sixth

If McIlroy's performance today has been a laser show, Woods looks like the barrel of his gun is bent - another errant drive at 17. Par for Furyk at the last for a round of 71 and five under, four off the lead. Clarke made birdie for another 72 and level overall. Matsuyama playing backwards out of that bunker at 15...

Moore embraces Open challenge

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American Ryan Moore, speaking to BBC Sport after shooting a 68 that gave him a score of six under and a share of second place heading into the weekend:

"I had missed a short putt on seven and sometimes it can derail you or make you lose focus. I was able to make three birdies in a row after missing a short par putt and got rolling from there and made some birdies.

"There was a little more wind today and avoiding bunkers was much more difficult. If you do that you're coming out sideways, it's a one-shot penalty, and I was able to have some nice shots into the greens and was able to convert them.

"I enjoy links golf. It's a lot of fun. I love coming over to embrace the challenge and the last couple of times I've played some solid golf and I hope to keep it going over the weekend this time."

McIlroy on the 153-yard 15th and he's going to have a rip with an eight iron. Cuts it in and stiffs it to within six feet. It's a laser show at the moment. Matsuyama with this slow, lolloping swing of his and that looks plugged.

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Tom Watson's long-range birdie effort at 18 comes up a couple of revolutions short - shame, but he'll be here this weekend after two 73s.

Furyk makes bogey at 17, drops to -5

Another birdie putt for Woods on 16 but nothing has dropped for him today, this one leaks right at the last. McIlroy with an iffy putt for par on 14 but he makes it disappear to retain his three-shot lead. Will anyone manage to break out of the pack and reel McIlroy in? it won't be Jim Furyk, who's dropped a shot at 17 to fall back to -5.

Paul Casey, English golf's almost forgotten man, gives himself a chance of a weekend spot with a birdie at 16 - he's two under. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell is battling manfully, birdies at 10 and 11 got him back to +1 and he's made two pars since.

Leaderboard

BBC

Selected others: -4: Robert Karlsson (Swe), Hideki Matsuyama (Jap); -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Edoardo Molinari (Ita), Charl Schwartzel (SA);-2: Justin Rose (Eng), Stephen Gallacher (Sco), Matteo Manassero (Ita)

-1: Shane Lowry (Ire); Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Tiger Woods (US); +1: Darren Clarke (NI); +2 Henrik Stenson (Swe); +3 Luke Donald (Eng), Ian Poulter (Eng)

Projected cut: +2

Set to miss cut: Lee Westwood (Eng), Bubba Watson (US), Ernie Els (SA)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

McIlroy gets a flyer out of the rough and will have a tricky one coming back across the 14th green. Garcia with an eight-footer for birdie at 17... misses just right, stays five under. News of Old Tom Watson - the five-time champion is two over heading down the 18th and a par should see him around for the weekend.

Leaders: Rory McIlroy -9; Dustin Johnson, Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore, Louis Oosthuizen and Rickie Fowler -6.

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

Get involved

A lot of love for the men at the top of the leaderboard though no-one's any closer to knowing the Sunday champion. Here are some views on Twitter:

Camin McCluskey: Reason for Rory's turnaround? Clearly three days practice at Royal County Down.

James Conlon: Hoylake really seems to be suiting the best ball strikers with Rory, DJ, Sergio and Molinari all going well.

John McEnerney: Said all day that Furyk would do all right. His putting let him down for a time but he's got it going again here! Love the swing!

Fowler birdies 17, moves to -6 and tied for second

Schwartzel goes tumbling down the leaderboard after a double on 14, he's down to -3. McIlroy surveys the scene at 14, he's got 164 yards to the pin, over some gorse bushes. Fowler with back-to-back birdies at 16 and 17, he's in that group on six under, three behind McIlroy.

Oosthuizen birdies 12, moves to -6 and tied for second

Oosthuizen makes it a five-way tie for second on six under with a long-range birdie on 12. Birdies at 12 and 13 for Jimmy Walker, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour this season, and he's three under. Shot back for Stenson on 15, he gets back to -2. Magnificent bump and run from Garcia at 17, chance for a birdie.

BBC Sport

Ryan Moore is tied for second place on six under par after a round of 68.

AP

Fowler with an iffy drive at 17, not so Garcia, who marmalises one down there. Furyk has got this three-footer to stay six under after 17 and he pops it in. David Howell has put a couple of decent rounds together, a 70 today for two under. Manassero in with a 75, he's also two under.

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"The greens are probably quickening up a bit and the players are showing signs of nervousness. The greens are maybe getting bit crusty in the heat and wind."

Fowler birdies 16, moves to -5

Garcia stays five under after a par at 16, Fowler drains a short birdie putt to move to -5. Dustin Johnson is a club too big off the tee at 13, here's Tiger with a birdie putt on 15, from about 20 feet... hasn't hit it, stays level. It's all gone wrong for Stenson down the back nine, bogeys at 11, 12, 13 and 14, three over, might not be here this weekend.

F Molinari cards 70 for -6 - tied for second

Francesco Molinari with a nine-footer for par at the last and he drains it for a 70 and six under overall. Things got rocky around the turn but he did well to recover his poise down the stretch.

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Darren Clarke was making very serene progress down the front but it's gone rather sour over the last hour or so - bogeys at 12, 15 and 16, he's back to +1. Still looking for Schwartzel's ball, now he knows how we feel...

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Wandering along in the company of David Leadbetter, Nick Faldo's old coach, who is following Tiger Woods for BBC Radio 5 live. 'Lead' tells me the Woods swing seems OK when he is hitting within himself, from seven iron up or when he is just playing an iron off the tee, but says its when he takes a thrash that things go wrong. And not just because of his back.

"'People have been saying for years he should adopt Sam Snead's mantra and swing at 85%. It's not like at home or playing with your mates, this is different, this is a major, there is pressure.' One word to describe him? 'Scrappy, rusty,' says Leadbetter. That's two, but he knows about golf swings."

Three South Africans four off the lead - Coetzee, Schwartzel and Oosthuizen - as McIlroy makes a solid par on 12 to stay nine under. Did I mention Schwartzel was going well? He's lost his ball off the tee at 14, where he made bogey yesterday.

'Horrendous wait' for amateur Chesters

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English amateur Ashley Chesters speaking to BBC Sport after finishing three over par for his two rounds and now facing a wait to see if he makes the cut.

He said: "I got about as much out of it as I could. The front nine wasn't good at all. It was windy and I was getting it by the green and not getting it up and down. I did miss quite a lot of putts.

"I was more laidback today. Even on the first tee I was nowhere near as nervous as yesterday. I just couldn't hole the putts.

"I've just got to wait and see what happens. The wind has died down. It will be close, hopefully I'll do it. I won't watch, it's horrendous watching because one minute you think you're in and the next you're out, so I'll just wait until the end to see."

Furyk birdies 16, moves to -6; D Johnson birdies 11, moves to -6

Here's Francesco, whipping an iron into the 18th - bunker. Furyk pours in a long-ranger for birdie on 16, grabs a share of second. Dustin Johnson has birdied 10 and 11 and is also in that four-way tie on six under. Snick Faldo is out in 37, he's +6 and unlikely to be here this weekend. Ryan Moore stiffs one to within a foot at 18 and will pop that in for 68 and six under overall - three behind our leader McIlroy.

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

"I reckon Tiger's been in long grass of some description eight times today. His game looks rusty."

The American is three over for the day, level par in total, nine shots behind Rory McIlroy.

Thomas Bjorn is going nowhere, the Dane has birdied 16 and is three under. Matsuyama blows a shot at 12, drops to -4. Not looking too clever for two-time winner Padraig Harrington, the Irishman is five over after 12 and two above the projected cut.

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"They've stopped holing putts. McIlroy is making a few pars now and no-one else is doing a huge amount."

Oosthuizen birdies 10, moves to -5

Many thanks Luke, this is Ben Dirs to take you through to the close of play. I join you as Garcia is putting for birdie on 15... left-to-righter, doesn't hit it. Fowler is slightly closer but he leaves his effort right of the cup. Two Scots at two under, Stephen Gallacher, after nine, and Marc Warren, after six. McIlroy shaves the hole with his birdie putt at 11, stays nine under. Birdie for former champion Oosthuizen on 10, he moves to four off the lead.

Donald battling

Luke Donald always threatens to excite us. His tee shot on 15 is delicious. Straight over the pin and within eight feet. All of this off the back of a monster bogey putt on 14. It's a shame he is two over. All feels a bit futile. The cut threatens.

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Edoardo Molinari speaking to BBC Sport after carding a round of 73 to leave him three under par going into the weekend: "I had a few issues with my left hand arm and wrist over the last couple of years but it's going nicely now and hopefully I can keep going.

"I'm happy [brother Francesco] is playing well and hopefully we can both have two more good rounds and finish high on the leaderboard."

Chesters made to sweat

Ashley Chesters cannot make his final putt on 18 and will have a nervous wait to see if he stays for the weekend. The amateur is three over and could well make the cut.

He deserves some credit. Six bogeys on the front nine sullied his card today but he dug deep and who knows? I wouldn't check out of the hotel just yet Ashley.

Leaderboard

BBC Sport

Selected others: -4: Louis Oosthuizen (SA),Robert Karlsson (Swe), Ryan Moore US); -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Charl Schwartzel (SA), Stephen Gallacher (Sco), Edoardo Molinari (Ita) -2: Justin Rose (Eng)

-1: Shane Lowry (Ire), Matteo Manassero (Ita); Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Tiger Woods (US), Darren Clarke (NI); +1: Luke Donald (Eng), Henrik Stenson (Swe); +2 Ian Poulter (Eng)

Projected cut: +2

Set to miss cut: Lee Westwood (Eng), Bubba Watson (US), Ernie Els (SA)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

Koepka's decline

A mention to Brooks Koepka for a clinical collapse. The American was five under through six holes today and ends plus one.

Six bogeys and a triple from that point. Heartbreaking.

Amateur's pressure moment

English amateur Ashley Chesters faces a pressure putt. The 24-year-old has a birdie opportunity on 18 and on three over, currently needs to sink it to make the cut.

It is a long one and even though the cut mark may move higher than plus two, huge applause from the galleries and undoubted relief awaits if he can summon a big one here.

On the charge

BBC

Sergio in the bushes

What is going on Sergio Garcia? He is putting waterproofs on to protect himself from brambles as he clips his ball out from a gorse. It's a nice touch but he will have work to do to make par on 14. Rickie Fowler, silent in the last hour or so plays a beauty into the heart of the green and will have 15 feet for birdie and five under.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Bet you after his round Tiger Woods says the wind was 'dancing all over the place'. The American seems to be having a hard time getting a handle on it, throwing up so much grass Royal Liverpool could retire one of their mowers. That's not the only problem. More than once around the turn he's taken himself off to the side for a quiet word after another errant shot. 'Grinding' is another word he'll use a lot later."

Reuters

Happy debut

American Chris Kirk tweets: Happy to have survived the bad end of the draw in my first British. Hopefully a few more putts will drop for me this weekend.

Kirk is one over par going into day three.

Molinari for birdie

Francesco Molinari with a birdie putt on 16 to move within two of the lead...it's long, breaks right to left, well judged...no.

Just off line from the Italian. Two under for the day, he should be in second place on his own shortly because Sergio Garcia has hooked his tee shot clinically into the bushes on 14.

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captainand BBC Sport analyst

"Rory McIlroy's front nine contained the perfect transformation. He started off looking tight and uneasy and maybe thinking about his 'Freaky Friday's'. He made really quite poor mistakes with his clubbing on holes one and three, but a birdie on five and then that brilliant shot on the sixth and you just knew then he was going to play well. Looking at him now I feel like he is going to make a few more birdies and finish on 10, 11 or 12 under.

"As for the pheasant - that was fowl play."

Fat lady singing? Rory McIlroy is three shots clear of Francesco Molinari and Sergio Garcia. A simple tap in seals the lead.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Thought tic-tac was just for the bookies at the racing? Well, golf has its own version of the hand signals. Spotters use their own code to tell the on-course commentators what club the players are using. Tony 'The Colonel' Workman has worked at 15 Opens for the BBC and talked me through how it works.

"After a word with the caddie or a peak in the bag, the number of fingers raised corresponds to the number of iron up to four. An outstretched hand pointing down is five, one finger down is six, two fingers down seven and so on up to nine. A clenched fist down is wedge and a scribbly line drawn in the air is a sand wedge. So now you're fluent in Iron."

Tiger's challenge over?

Reuters

The comeback has spluttered. Tiger Woods rolls in for par on 11 and remains three over for the day, level overall. Not what yesterday's headlines hyped up.

His race is surely run, as McIlroy plays the 10th erratically but effectively. Tee shot to rough, second shot to thicker rough, third shot to within two feet. Birdie time. They all count.

McIlroy will move to nine under.

Primed to pounce

Who is lurking in the pack? Charl Schwartzel, a Masters champion no less, is now four under after back-to-back birdies.

Rickie Fowler and Ryan Moore are among the masses on the same mark. Is someone ready to make a move?

Reuters

Leader Rory McIlroy is delayed by a passing pheasant on the eighth green, but having seen off one birdie, the tournament favourite poured in another to open up a two-shot lead. Lovely stuff...

Get involved

Thank you for your tweets and texts in response to the text from Hugo (16:00) about the merits of veteran former champions playing at the Open. Plenty of opinions back so without further ado...

Jonathan Collier on Twitter: Completely agree that Sandy Lyle and Co should not be playing this week. Simple rule should be: PGA Tour Card? Here's your invite.

Robert McAllen on Twitter: Hugo - Sandy has earned the right to be at these things and people want to see the greats even if they don't win.

Well there you have it, we're no closer to a verdict. Keep the opinions flowing in then via #bbcgolf on Twitter, 81111 on text or via the BBC Sport pages on Facebook and Google +.

McIlroy to tear up 10?

A chance for Rory McIlroy to turn the screw here. The 10th hole - the easiest hole - is a massive birdie opportunity. What would he have given for a three-shot lead after 10?

He can earn the cushion, but his tee-shot is not ideal. Into the rough down the left.

On the par-four 12th, Sergio Garcia bumps a fairway wood from the fringe of the green. It is inventive and effective. Leaves around eight feet for par.

American Billy Horschel tweets: "The difference between early/late and late/early times this week at the Open is about four to five shots. Way the draw goes sometimes!"

Players in the early group on Thursday and late tee-times today have had to deal with a lighter breeze.

Leaderboard

BBC Sport

Selected others: -4: Stephen Gallacher (Sco), Louis Oosthuizen (SA), Dustin Johnson (US), Edoardo Molinari (Ita),Robert Karlsson (Swe), Ryan Moore US) Hideki Matsuyama (Jap); -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Charl Schwartzel (SA), Matteo Manassero (Ita) -2: Justin Rose (Eng)

-1: Shane Lowry (Ire), Darren Clarke (NI), Henrik Stenson (Swe); Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Tiger Woods (US), Ian Poulter (Eng); +1: Luke Donald (Eng)

Projected cut: +2

Set to miss cut: Lee Westwood (Eng), Bubba Watson (US), Ernie Els (SA)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

Cabrera fightback continues

EPA

Angel Cabrera rarely offers up the straightforward and his eagle on 10 is the latest high point.

The Argentine started the day four over par but is back to just plus one. His putt from off the green needs the pin to stop it. It does and the ball is below ground level, nestled in the cup.

What next? Your guess is as good as mine.

The McIlroy show

A high draw from right to left, the flag no longer blowing in the wind, Rory McIlroy lands his tee shot in the heart of the ninth green. He looks unerringly good.

The rest have got to find something as he looks like a birdie machine.

More former champions

... another two-time winner, Ireland's Padraig Harrington, is +5 through seven; Justin Leonard, winner in 1997, is +5 through 13; Ben Curtis, the shock winner in 2003, is +4 through 13; the legend that is Tom Watson is three over after 10; Stewart Cink, who pipped Watson in 2009, is three over after 11; Tiger Woods is level after nine; defending champion Phil Mickelson is level after a 70; Darren Clarke, winner in 2011, is two under through 10, I think that's it...

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

Former champions

PA

What news of the former Open champions? Well, John Daly, winner in 1995, is in with a very respectable 71 for +4 overall, which is one below the projected cut of +3; Sandy Lyle, winner in 1985, is +22 after an 84; another Scot, 1999 winner Paul Lawrie, is +9 through 13; David Duval, 2001 champion, is in with a 79 for +8; two-time champion Ernie Els carded a 73 for +8; 2004 winner Todd Hamilton is +5 through four, as is the great Nick Faldo...

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores

Ken Brown

BBC Sport commentator

"The wind is dying down a bit and the scoring is picking up. If that continues then the players in this half of the draw have had a massive advantage."

Birdie and eight under

This feels big...birdie for Rory McIlroy. A dribbled putt never deviates and the fact he had to wait until a rather excitable pheasant vacated the green makes it all the more impressive.

The big bird drew laughs, the birdie a smile from McIlroy.

McIlroy can make another birdie..

Dare I say it, Rory McIlroy looks in complete control. After that bogey on one which had us all thinking a day-two collapse may follow, he has been flawless.

Par on the seventh is worth a celebration in anyone's book and he now sets up birdie on eight. Things almost look too good...

Watson needs a 'miracle' to make cut

Getty Images

American Bubba Watson believes he needs a "miracle" to make the cut after his even par round of 72 left him at four over and two shots adrift of the projected cut.

He said: "I can't wait to get back to see my wife and child. If I make the cut, if somehow a miracle happens, I'll be ready to go tomorrow and be pumped up about it.

"But I don't let stuff linger, I'm not that kind of a person. I've got more issues to worry about than missed putts."

Triple for Koepka

Ouch. Brooks Koepka will carry the marks of that one for a while. A triple-bogey six on the 15th hole is calamitous for his card and he falls back to one under. The next one is a par five, got to make one back.

Francesco Molinari oozes a long putt home for his fifth birdie of the day and he follows up with a solid iron into the 14th green. Top stuff Francesco.

Chip in for Moore

"That was going like a train," says former European Ryder Cup captain Mark James of Ryan Moore's pitch on to the 13th green.

It was, but it didn't matter. With a shake of the pin it drops and that is an unexpected birdie for Moore. His fourth in six holes no less.

He is four under, Garcia taps in his birdie chance to be two better off.

Getty Images

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"The golf writer Bernard Darwin once said 'Hoylake is a breeder of mighty champions' and I expect one of the great champions to come through because this is a mighty field."

He's not wrong, here's a list of some of the past Hoylake winners:

1907: Arnaud Massy - first overseas winner of the Open.

1924: Walter Hagen - his fifth of 11 major titles, a haul that ranks him third in the all-time list behind Jack Nicklaus (18) and Tiger Woods (14).

1930: Bobby Jones - the American great won all four majors in 1930 for the famous 'Grand Slam', the Open being the second leg.

1956: Australia great Peter Thomson completed a hat-trick of Open victories, the only player to achieve the feat in the 20th century.

1967: Roberto De Vicenzo, the only Argentine to win the Open.

2006: Hitting his driver only once, Tiger Woods defended his 2005 title in stunning fashion.

Garcia and Oosthuizen make ground

A long putt by Sergio Garcia sets up a straight-forward birdie chance on 10. Six under beckons. Louis Oosthuizen capitalises on the par-five fifth and moves to four under. Silent assassin. He fooled us all when he won in 2010.

Action everywhere, challengers everywhere, one leader and in high-vis colours, all eyes are attracted to Rory McIlroy.

Vote

Which of these is the best Open venue?

You can choose from: St Andrews, Hoylake, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Troon, Muirfield, Birkdale, or other.

The vote closes at 19:00 and we'll give you the result shortly after.

If you want to do your research, check out the R&A's guide to the venues on the official Open website.

Send us your reasoning via #bbcgolf on Twitter, 81111 on text or via the BBC Sport pages on Facebook and Google +

Incidentally, Darren Clarke converts for par on 10 after earlier needing an army of spectators to find his ball. No doubt he would have bitten your hand of for par at that stage.

Edoardo Molinari's run of birdies ends on 15, it's par. Canada's David Hearn is sneaking up on us all. A sublime iron shot on the fourth leaves him around six inches for birdie and that will take him to three under.

Furyk makes par on 10

Jim Furyk is unable to make the par-five 10th hole pay. It is playing the easiest hole on the course, averaging just 4.6 strokes.

The American's putt from all of 30 feet is beautifully weighted but just wide. What I like most about him is he always looks like he is playing in astro-turf trainers.

He looks like he'd be a handy five-a-side player. Two shots off the lead.

Leaderboard

BBC

Selected others: -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Stephen Gallagher (Sco), Charl Schwartzel (SA); -2: Justin Rose (Eng), Darren Clarke (NI);

-1: Shane Lowry (Ire); Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Tiger Woods (US), Ian Poulter (Eng); +1: Henrik Stenson (Swe), Luke Donald (Eng)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Rory out on his own

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"Rory McIlroy has suddenly got that look of being in control, relaxed and only seeing good numbers."

Two-shot lead for McIlroy

Getty Images

Breathing space for McIlroy. He rolls home for back-to-back-birdies on the sixth green after a smart tee shot.

Could this be his moment? He is walking with swagger, a chance to kick on with a two-shot lead on seven under.

Edoardo Molinari fireworks

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"What about that from Edoardo - lacklustre for 10 holes and now right back in there."

Edoardo chips in

Edoardo Molinari draws whoops and cheers from the galleries. He looks like he has a tough up and down for par but what we didn't know was he was planning on holing out from off the green. Straight in, that's four under - the same mark as his brother Francesco.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Giant galleries, squads of snappers and reams of writers following McIlroy on this hazy summer afternoon. 'Wee Mac' unleashes merry hell with his driver down the fifth and the man with the clever technology measures it at 375 yards. Could have done 400 if it hadn't caught the rough."

Get involved

With Hugo's text in mind, we want to know what you would change about the sport of golf and why?

Tweet us your thoughts on #bbcgolf or text on 81111.

Get involved

As Tom Watson (currently +2 through nine holes of round two) continues to defy his age, the debate about older golfers in elite fields has reared its head again.

Hugo in Northumberland: I'm becoming increasingly frustrated at Sandy Lyle's regular inclusion in both The Open and The Masters (as of course he's not eligible to play in the remaining two majors). He's finished at +22 this week and I think it's a farce that he insists on playing at this level.

Surely the Open would be better off if a younger, more skilled and hungrier golfer with greater potential was given a chance instead. Just look at how everyone loves John Singleton.

Do you agree with Hugo? You can also join in the debate via Twitter using #bbcgolf, Google + or on our Facebook page.

McIlroy finds some rhythm

McIlroy moves from the power needed on the long fifth to the accuracy of the par three sixth.

His lofted iron drops like a missile and makes that lovely hard sound as it pitches and sticks around 10 feet from the pin.

Jordan Spieth and Hideki Matsuyama cannot replicate the finesse McIlroy shows, but they bump their tee shots onto the putting surface. Three birdie chances.

Royal Liverpool's four par five holes have given up just under 370 birdies so far this week. That is nearly 50% of all the birdies made.

McIlroy leads again

Reuters

Rory McIlroy takes full advantage of the generous fifth hole. His eagle attempt on the par five is close, but it's a tap in on the return and again, McIlroy is six under par.

The par fives are where the booty is hiding.

Hoylake course guide

10th (Far)

A par five and 532 yards awaits Furyk next. Can he keep the momentum going?

Getty Images

The second-easiest hole in 2006 and birdie chances are being easy to come by again this year. One hundred and seven birdies have been made in the championship so far and just 19 bogeys.

2006 difficulty rating: 17 2014 difficulty rating: 18

Furyk's battle for victory

BBC Sport

Furyk joins leaders on five under

Jim Furyk sinks a snaking putt on nine for a score of one under on the way out and a share of the lead with Coetzee, Koepka, Garcia and McIlroy. The American steady all week so far.

Clinical Coetzee

Co-leader George Coetzee has had the most one putts in the championship so far, with 20 at a rate of 55.6%, on his way to five under. England's Paul Casey has had the least, making just four at a rate of 11.1%, and is currently three over through six.

David Leadbetter

Leading golf coach on BBC Radio 5 live

"Everyone wants to see the old Tiger though unfortunately we're never going to see the old Tiger. We'll have to see how his stamina holds out all week."

Tiger on torrid seventh

The seventh hole, brutal so far this week and it prompts drastic measures from Tiger woods who leaves his irons in the bag and calls on what looks like a three wood.

The world number seven rarely gets the carpentry out of his bag around here but with 480 yards of unforgiving par four ahead of him, he does so. Lamps it up the middle.

Only 11 birdies on the seventh this week, the fewest on any hole on the course.

Sand for Manassero

Did anyone see Ken Brown's Elephant bunker earlier? It is on the 11th hole.

No it's not shaped like an elephant, it doesn't house an elephant and quite frankly, I have no idea what the elephant link is. All I do know, is Matteo Manassero is in it.

The Italian is four under and could do without the headache and he smashes down into the sand to give himself 10 feet for par.

Trouble for Sergio

In all, 44 players are even par or better as things stand and so hopes are high for many.

Sergio Garcia will want it badly, having never won a major but he is in trouble on eight. After a loose drive, he clumps a ball out of the rough and into sand on the testing par four. Cue Rickie Fowler to show his hand from the fairway - he hits the green but runs through. Not having it your own way fellas.

Leaderboard

BBC Sport

Selected others: -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Stephen Gallagher (Sco); -2: Justin Rose (Eng), Darren Clarke (NI), Charl Schwartzel (SA);

Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Shane Lowry (Ire), Tiger Woods (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe); +1: Ian Poulter (Eng), Luke Donald (Eng).

Set to miss cut (projected at +2): +3: Lee Westwood (Eng); +4 Bubba Watson (US); +7 Jamie Donaldson (Wal); +8 Ernie Els (SA)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Tight at the top

BBC

A four-way lead then. George Coetzee sat with his feet up in the clubhouse while Sergio Garcia, Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka attempt to consolidate their marks at five under in these tricky conditions.

We are being spoilt.

Don't write off 'Bustin' Dustin Johnson, the willowy big-hitter from Jupiter. he tied at the Open in 2011, finished tied for fourth at this year's US Open and has birdied one and three today to move to -3. Jim Furyk with a chance to join the leaders but he forgets to hit his birdie putt at seven, stays four under. Here's Luke Reddy for a bit, while I take a break...

Garcia with a long-range birdie putt at six, he stays five under. Australia's Marc Leishman joins the party at three under with a long-range birdie at 13, Fowler just fails to move to five under with a birdie putt that just misses at six. Here's McIlroy's second to the fourth... safely on...

Woods frustrations continue

PA

Woods can't make that birdie putt coming back, leaving it a shade left, and he stays level after five. Ian Poulter of England is out on the course and he's kicked off with two pars, Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell has opened with birdie-bogey. Stenson back to level with birdie at five. Cabrera makes it back-to-back birdies and he's back to +4, suddenly things not looking so grim for the Argentine.

Fowler clipping his approach low and hard into the seventh and he'll have a birdie attempt from 20 feet. Woods's third at five is from just off the front of the green and that's the touch of a panel beater, racing it 30 feet by... Garcia with something like an eight iron at seven, all over the flag like a cheap suit.

"I've got to play tougher on the weekend," says Adam Scott

AP

World number one Adam Scott says he needs to be made of sterner stuff if he is to win a first Open title at the weekend.

"It was a good finish, I played lots of good golf today though I made some errors from good spots which is a cardinal sin," the Australian told BBC Sport after posting a one over 73 to sit in the clubhouse at three under.

"It was tough to make putts out there and it was one of those grinding days on the links. Being under par is good but being a little closer to the lead is nice," he added after finishing birdie-birdie to bring himself closer to the pacesetters.

"I'm playing very well, I just have to eliminate those mistakes and play a little tougher over the weekend I think."

Koepka birdies 11, joins four-way lead at -5

Four-way lead now, as Brook Koepka rolls in from four feet at 11 to move to five under, alongside Coetzee, Garcia and McIlroy. The Florida man has four wins on the Challenger Tour and tied for fourth at this year's US Open.

Manassero bogeys eight, drops to -4; Molinari bogeys nine, drops to -3

Manassero for par at eight and he tweaks it left, drops to four under. Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel very much in the mix, birdie at the first and he's two under through three second-round holes. McIlroy with a six-footer for par at the third, he stays five under, Francesco Molinari is on the ropes, follows that double with a bogey at nine, the Italian now three under and two off the lead.

There's a three-way tie for the lead with George Coetzee, Sergio Garcia and McIlroy all on five under.

Hoylake course guide

9th (Dowie)

Par three, 197 yards

Getty Images

Bunkers front left and right protect a narrow green. There is a steep drop-off slope on the left-hand side of the green that leaves you an extremely tough chip or putt.

2006 difficulty rating: 11 2014 difficulty rating: 11

Garcia with a 25-footer for birdie at six, comes up a few feet short, pops in for par. McIlroy with his second to three, eight iron, through the back. Former champion Louis Oosthuizen has opened up with a birdie, as he did yesterday, and is three under. Manassero conjures some magic from a green-side bunker at seven and taps in for par to stay five under. Shot gone for Bjorn, though, the seventh proving the hardest stretch on the course.

F Molinari doubles the eighth, falls out of the lead

Woods, as was the case yesterday, has taken a while to warm up and here he is parachuting to within a few feet at four. Garcia at six, with eight iron from 180 yards... bit of luck, rolls back on from a green-side hillock. Molinari makes a double on eight, meaning he drops to -4 and there is a four-way tie for the lead at five under. Brooks Koepka is having a right old ding-dong with the course - bogeys at seven, eight and nine, eagle at 10, back to four under. Woods can only make par at four...

Past Hoylake Open winners

Getty Images

Fowler and Garcia birdie the fifth

Fowler with back to back birdies at four and five, he's now four under. Garcia rams home his 12-footer for birdie at five, moves to five under. McIlroy makes par at the second, stays five under, Matsuyama drops to -3 after a bogey.

Justin Rose's chipping masterclass

AP

Justin Rose, hot off two wins in his last two tournaments, produced stunning back-to-back chip-ins at the par-three ninth for birdie and par-five 10th for eagle in his second round.

The Englishman shot a second-round 70 to reach two under in the clubhouse. A handy position given the afternoon's more testing conditions.

"The birdie at the ninth happened at an important time," he said. "The shot on 10 was a similar type shot, one you hope to get up and down but when they fall it is a big boost.

"It has kept me within touch. I have been playing well enough to think I can have a good weekend. I haven't had my run yet and hopefully I've ridden out some of the tough times. I have a lot of work ahead, but keeping myself within touch has been important."

Watch Rose's chips on the golf index and see more highlights by clicking on the Highlights tab above.

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama is out of the traps with a birdie and the 22-year-old is four under, two off the current lead. He likes a spot of links, he finished sixth last year. Woods makes his par at the third, remains level. Garcia out of a deep-faced trap at five, might have to make do with a par. Par for Manassero at the devilish seventh, he stays one off the lead.

Leaderboard

BBC

Selected others: -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Rickie Fowler (US); -2: Justin Rose (Eng), Stephen Gallagher (Sco), Darren Clarke (NI), Thomas Bjorn (Den), Charl Schwartzel (SA);

-1: Jordan Spieth (US); Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Shane Lowry (Ire), Tiger Woods (US); +1: Henrik Stenson (Swe) Ian Poulter (Eng); +2 Luke Donald (Eng)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Molinari might not be out in front for much longer, he's just dragged his tee shot at seven into a bush and will have to reload...

A tip of the hat to Irish amateur Paul Dunne, who is surging down the back nine. The 21-year-old clocked up four straight birdies to move to four over par with two holes left but a par on the 17th means he looks set to miss the cut.

As @neilbrooks12 points out, Dunne went to Blackrock College, which also produced Ireland rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll.

Out in front

BBC Sport

Furyk birdies five, moves to four under

Jason Day, Australia's perennial major contender, has carded another 73 and is two over for the week. Woods pulls out a good recovery at the third and should finally make par. Furyk for a birdie on five, makes it disappear from six feet to get to four under.

Rory off the tee at the second and he's creamed another one. American Bill Haas birdied the last for a level-par 72 and two under overall, four off the lead. F Molinari remains six under after tapping in for par at six, Darren Clarke just misses with an eagle attempt at five but taps in for birdie to get to two under.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

AFP

"Huge encouragement for Rory McIlroy as he leaves the sanctity of the cordoned-off putting green and strides across the third fairway, over the footbridge and into the arena around the first tee. Every combination you can think of for 'Come on/you can do it/go get 'em, Rory/Rors/Rory lad/McIlroy'.

"Imagine the frenzy if he is leading at the same time on Sunday. Can't be easy as a 25-year-old to protect yourself from all that, but you suppose these guys are inured to it.

"Still, he gives it a mighty swipe down the first. Playing partners Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth, with a touch of the tennis player about him - ie pointing for the towel after a practice swing - follow and the main course of the day is served. Another Freaky Friday for McIlroy? Or will the easing wind hand him the lead on a plate?"

Projected cut

The projected cut currently stands at two over par, meaning that Paul Casey (+3 through three holes) and English amateur Ashley Chesters (four over through seven) have some work to do.

Among those in the clubhouse hoping for some high winds and high scores are Lee Westwood (+3), Bubba Watson (+4) and Miguel Angel Jimenez (+4).

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Woods on the 426-yard third and this time he cuts one down the middle with an iron. Francesco Molinari chipping on at seven and he leaves himself with a four-footer for par. Brother Edoardo has dropped another at eight, is now four off the lead. Garcia at the par-five fifth and he's absolutely roasted his tee shot, finishing in some fluff to the right. Donald has taken a provisional...

Mickelson 'fancies his chances'

Getty Images

Phil Mickelson on BBC Two after a two-under par round of 70 to take him to level par for the championship: "I played really, really well but let a few critical shots slide, that has ultimately cost me. I fought hard and tee to green was striking the ball better than I have for over a year.

"Now, with the weather coming in tomorrow, I fancy my chances. I will probably be six or seven shots back but you never know what will happen.

"I will have to shoot a low round in tough conditions but I really enjoy the challenge. It is the best feeling to have won this tournament and playing it as a past champion. Knowing I have already won it takes a lot of of pressure off. The way the people treat past champions here is incredible."

McIlroy bogeys first, F Molinari leads on six under

Fowler with a birdie at four, gets back to three under, Garcia makes that par putt, stays four under. Denmark's Thomas Bjorn birdies the fifth and is in that big group at three under, three off the lead. McIlroy lets a shot go at the first, leaving Francesco Molinari out in front on his own...

Manassero bogeys six, Woods bogeys second

The new slim-line Darren Clarke, winner in 2011, birdies four and is back in the red. McIlroy with his approach at two... flies it through the back, bit of adrenalin coursing through those forearms. Garcia leaves himself a knee-knocker for par at four, Woods leaves his par putt left of the cup at two, drops back to level par. Shot gone for Manassero at six, which leaves McIlroy and F Molinari in a two-way tie for the lead.

BBC

Mixed fortunes for Enoch

Getty Images

Rhys Enoch finished yesterday as the best-scoring Welshman with one over par but his round has been a bit more extreme today. Dropping to four over at the turn, he holed his second shot for an eagle at the 11th, only to pick up a treble bogey on the 12th.

Joint leader Francesco Molinari at seven, taking a small wood... sweeps one down the fairway. Fowler from muck on four... shot of the day, maybe, somehow manages to bring it to heel a few feet from the pin. Garcia in similar territory, and that's pretty decent as well.

Woods has the game to cope

Frank Nobilo

Former European Tour golfer and BBC analyst

Getty Images

"Tiger Woods played in the still of the conditions yesterday. It's exactly what he needed after 127 days out with a back injury. He remains one of the few players out there who can change his game on the fly to adapt to differing conditions. You expect all of them to be able to, but they can't do it like he does."

Manassero makes birdie at five, regains tie of lead

Manassero with a sniff at the fifth, squeezes it in to regain a share of the lead. Woods gets a flyer through the second, it's all a bit clown's car at the moment for the main man. Here's young Jordan Spieth, the 20-year-old great new hope from the States who tied second at the Masters this year... bombs it down there on the first, but about 30 yards behind Rory...

PA

The first hole at Hoylake

England's Justin Rose is in with a two-under 70 for two under overall, right in the mix heading into the weekend. Scott finishes birdie-birdie for a 73 and -3 overall. Overnight leader Rory McIlroy is out in a bit, and he'll be wanting to put behind him this troubling trend of tearing it up on day one and stumbling on day two. Sergio, Sergio... Three putts at the third, back to four under.

Leaderboard

BBC

Selected others: -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Tiger Woods (US); -2: Justin Rose (Eng), Stephen Gallagher (Sco), Rickie Fowler (US);

-1: Charl Schwartzel (SA), Jordan Spieth (US), Tiger Woods (US), Darren Clarke (NI); Par: Henrik Stenson (Swe), Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Shane Lowry (Ire); +1: Ian Poulter (Eng); +2 Luke Donald (Eng)

Selected tee times: 14:27: Rory McIlroy (NI); 14:38: Ian Poulter (Eng); 14:49: Graeme McDowell (NI)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"While Woods is on the first tee for his introduction a huge roar rings out on the adjacent second fairway. Word filters across Sergio Garcia has holed his second shot. A neat little juxtaposition given how Woods batted down the lemon-clad Spaniard on the final day at Hoylake eight years ago.

"Woods's red-capped security detail scurry forward to secure the perimeter. "Come on, Tiger lad" rings out in broad scouse."

New shape has swing impact

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We couldn't help but notice Darren Clarke's hefty weight loss.

A whopping four stone by his calculation has dropped off as a result of a five-time-a-week gym habit and you can see the difference between 2006 (pictured left) and this week.

"The only source of frustration is that the golf ball hasn't yet realised all the work I've been doing," he tells the Telegraph. "My timing has been off, obviously because I've lost all that weight and what have you and my swing has to compensate."

Clarke, champion in 2011, is even par.

Woods makes double-bogey at the first

Manassero birdies four and is back to five under, one off the lead. The Italians are going nowhere. Fowler with a peach of an approach at three, should be a birdie from a few feet. Shot gone for Koepka at the par-four seventh, he's back to -4. Back to Woods on one... his bogey putt lips out, Woods tumbles back to -1...

Molinari ties for the lead on six under

Stenson fires his second right at the pin, he'll have a 10-footer for birdie. Scott made birdie on 17, the world number one is back to two under. Francesco Molinari pours in a birdie putt on the fifth, ties the lead with McIlroy on six under. Woods making a right hash of the first, his third ends up in more nonsense on the other side of the green - needs to pop this in for par... races it 15 feet by, could be two shots gone...

Get involved

Ger Brady: A storm is brewing for Hoylake if that wind is easterly! I left Dublin this morning and am travelling across the Irish Sea!

A Bowker: Well I was going out but have been caught up in the golf for the last two hours, mainly because it looks like I'm playing. What fairway?!

Paolo Brand: What a moment from Sergio Garcia. A peach of a hole out.

Sweden's Karlsson gets a shot back at the 10th, he's now three under. Rose finds a green-side bunker at 17, here's Woods out of some deep stuff at the first... goes at it like a man attempting to fell an oak with an axe, and his ball squirts into more trouble back-right...

Time for Tiger

BBC Sport

Tiger Woods is away and he's double-crossed his tee shot, which ends up way left. Cabrera gives it some serious humpty, that's high and handsome and central. Stenson, the world number two, follows him down there...

'Character-building' 26 over par

AFP

Bryden Macpherson is confident he will not suffer the same fate as fellow Australian Ian Baker-Finch after finally completing his Open nightmare.

The 23-year-old Australian, whose first-day 90 at Hoylake was the worst Open round for 15 years, bowed out of the competition after shooting 80 to finish on 26 over par.

"I think a fellow Australian, Ian Baker-Finch did a similar thing, first round in '97, and that triggered his retirement. Now, he'd already won a British Open. It would be a little weird for me to retire, I think.

"I think it's just character-building, that's all it is. If you see it as anything more or anything less, then you're looking at it the wrong way."

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"All in black, flanked by two white-shirted stormtroopers, Tiger Woods sweeps Dart Vader-style from his courtesy car to the putting green beside the clubhouse. Very serious faces on all. The electricity crackles around the expectant crowd gathered by green. His Lordship's presence is strong."

Eagle for Garcia on two, ties for second

Tiger Woods makes his way to the first tee, he and Angel Cabrera dressed all in black today, Henrik Stenson making up the threesome. Fowler having to hack out at two, back onto the fairway, Donald comes up just short. Garcia into the green... NAILED IT! Eagle for the Spaniard, back to five under and a tie for second. "Same hole as 2006!" says a beaming Garcia, and he did indeed hole a nine iron on this hole eight years ago. Lovely stuff.

Frank Nobilo

Former European Tour golfer on BBC analyst

"Phil Mickelson has struggled all year with his game and what a time to find it again. It could be a real tussle over the next couple of days."

Defending champion Mickelson for birdie at the last, after hoicking his second head-high into the stands, and he's nailed one at last. Mickelson left a lot of shots out there today but he never stops battling and is still in the mixer at level overall, six off the current lead.

Shot gone for Garcia at the first, the Spaniard back to -3. Tom Watson, however, made a birdie and is back to level. World number one Scott for birdie on 17... rams it home from 20 feet, he's back to -2. Rose for a bird, from a similar range... leaves it short...

Koepka ties for second on five under

Here's Garcia playing out of the rough on 18 and he's found the front of the green - the first green, that is. Fowler races his second up to the pin and it ricochets past 15 or so feet. Unlucky. Brooks Koepka chips to within a couple of feet at the par-five fifth and pops in for five under and a share of second. The 24-year-old has never won on the PGA Tour.

Scott Drummond

BBC Sport on-the-course reporter

"I'm off with Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald and Rickie Fowler now. I was with them yesterday morning and it was fantastic. Garcia is great in the wind, but I'm not sure how well Fowler will fare in these blustery tricky conditions. Either way it's a brilliant group.

"The best bit of advice I was given for my first ever Open as on course reporter last year was: 'If you have nothing to say, just say nothing'. And I always try and follow that rule!"

Birdies for Clarke and Watson

Two former Open champions start round two beautifully. Tom Watson, from the fringe of the green sends a rocket of a putt into the cup - it rattled home. Follow that Darren Clarke - he does, with a cool stroke from 10 feet. Birdies for both.

Clarke is one under, Watson level for his 19 holes so far.

Scott Drummond

BBC Sport on-the-course reporter

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"This morning I followed Martin Kaymer, Zach Johnson and Jason Day. The breeze was gusty and it was making things tricky. Kaymer started like a train and we thought he was on for a very special round but the wheels came off. It showed even if you were playing as well as Kaymer was the breeze was still enough to induce double or triple bogeys at the drop of a hat."

Kaymer double-bogeyed the seventh in a par-72 and remains +1 at the halfway point

Molinari moves to five under

Francesco Molinari bogeyed the first, birdied the second and has now bent in an eight-footer for birdie at the third - the Italian back to -5 and a share of second. Dufner has left himself a tap-in birdie on 16, will get to -1. Kaymer in with a level-par 72, including birdies at 16 and 18, and the US Open champion is one over for the week. Birdie at the first for Old Tom Watson, he's back to level.

Leaderboard

BBC Sport

Selected others:-3: Tiger Woods (US), Rickie Fowler (US); -2: Stephen Gallagher (Sco), Adam Scott (Aus).

-1: Charl Schwartzel (SA), Jordan Spieth (US), Justin Rose (Eng); Par: Darren Clarke (NI), Jason Dufner (US), Shane Lowry (Ire); +1: Phil Mickelson (US), Ian Poulter (Eng), Luke Donald (Eng).

Selected tee times (BST): 14:05: Tiger Woods (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe); 14:27: Rory McIlroy (NI); 14:38: Ian Poulter (Eng); 14:49: Graeme McDowell (NI)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Luke Donald on the first, opening up with an errant drive, before Rickie Fowler piles into his tee shot, sending it straight down the centre. Here's Sergio, also going with driver, and snap-hooking it straight down the 18th...

Rose on 16, second shot, comes up a few yards short but he should make birdie from there. Scott going with five wood, starting it out miles right, and keeping it miles right, into some green-side fluff. Manassero to save par at the second, from about 10 feet... misses, back to -4 he goes and into a tie for third. Furyk conjures a majestic third out of the long stuff at one, leaving himself a tap-in for par...

Fowler eyes a big jump

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American Rickie Fowler (-3) ahead of his 13:38 BST tee-time alongside Sergio Garcia (-4) and Luke Donald (+1).

"Today's going to be fun, this is true links right here in the wind. Yesterday was about as easy as it can play," he told BBC Sport on the range.

"It's a day if I go out and play solid I can make a big jump. Par's a good score out there today."

Past Hoylake Open winners

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Apologies, Shane Lowry is of course from Offaly, not Dublin. It didn't feel right, even as I was writing it. Here's Thomas Bjorn of Denmark for birdie at the first... makes it, he's now three under. Tiger and Rory side by side on the range, bookended by Stenson and Spieth - that's some fourball.

Get involved

Seve, Rose, Watson, Harrington, Rocca: your Open moments top five.

Hard to pick a winner among this lot, but you've done us proud by listing some stellar Open moments as your top five. In no particular order:

David Ferguson: Tom Watson's terrific performance in 2009. Talent, sportsmanship, dignity, character. A privilege to witness.

Stephen Barlow: '84 I was perched on pillar in hotel car park watching Seve on 18th - greatest fist pump ever (Seve's quite good too)! Legend.

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Mark Cockroft: When Justin Rose holed out on the 18th at Birkdale to finish 4th in 98'. It was my first ever Open. I was 11. Thanks Dad.

Philip Russell: Costantino Rocca Valley of Sin St Andrews for emotional outpouring hard to surpass.

smashedpotatoes: Harrington's three wood on 17 in 2008. Took the ball way over the stands into three feet!

American Erik Compton, who has had two heart transplants and finished runner-up at this year's US Open, is liking this links golf - he's level overall after four second-round holes. Sorry, Erik - he's just made a double at five... pars all round for Dufner, Rose and Scott on 15, here's five-time winner Tom Watson, 64, hitting away at the first, alongside fellow American Jim Furyk and former champion Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland. All three safely away...

Rose, too, is safely on at the par-three 15th. Bubba's putter is on fire today, he makes another long-range saver at 16 to get back to +3. Not a good day so far for Dublin's Shane Lowry - he's let five shots go between seven and nine, is five over for today and one over overall. Scratch that, he's birdied 11.

AFP

Jimenez for a bird on 17, to go with the birdie at 16... makes it from six feet, back to +4 and in with a sniff of some weekend action. Dufner at the par-three 15th, playing 150 yards... crackerjack, stiffs it to within 15 feet of the pin. Manassero's birdie putt comes up a couple of feet short, will make par. Scott on 15... lovely job... Mickelson for a long-range birdie at 16, cosies it up there, big sigh, followed by a wryish smile...

Bubba hoicking into the gallery at 16, the wheels are falling off again. Damn all these people, watching him play... Rose for par from 25 feet, just shaves the hole. Shot gone for the Englishman, he's one under after 14. Birdie from Dufner, the American back to level.

Scott with his second at 14... chases it up there, just onto the back apron. Rose found a gorse bush off the tee, had to take a drop, and now he'll have trouble trying to stop this on the green. Here's Manassero into the first and that's a peach, right at the stick.

Relax, you can do it... all eyes on factory worker Singleton

Factory worker John Singleton, one of the stories of this year's Open, understandably battled nerves in round one despite some superb chipping and putting.

If he can calm himself the 30-year-old thinks he could make the weekend.

"It's certainly possible, I think I've got a great chance to make the cut if I can relax a little bit," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Clare Balding.

"Yesterday was all part of the learning experience really. It was getting ridiculous with the chipping, it looked like I was missing greens on purpose to get up and down."

Singleton, six-over-par, tees off at 15:33 BST alongside Scot Marc Warren (-1) and American Peter Uihlein (+5).

Sweden's Robert Karlsson has let a couple of strokes go on the par-three sixth, which means he falls to -2. Here's Italy's Matteo Manassero on tee at the first, he's going with iron. He was five under yesterday and one off the lead and he's nailed his opener, although he'll have a long hit in.

Many thanks Andy, this is Ben Dirs. No, seriously. Dufner on tee at 14 and that's a boomer, straight down the middle. Two back-to-back bogeys for Bubba on 14 and 15, he's now +4 and in danger of missing the cut.

Ernie Els misses a birdie putt at 15 to stay at nine over and with that I'll pass you over to Ben Dirs...... Enjoy.

Leaderboard

BBC

Selected others: -3: Tiger Woods (US), Rickie Fowler (US); -2: Justin Rose (Eng), Stephen Gallagher (Sco), Adam Scott (Aus).

-1: Charl Schwartzel (SA), Jordan Spieth (US); Par: Darren Clarke (NI); +1: Phil Mickelson (US), Ian Poulter (Eng), Luke Donald (Eng), Jason Dufner (US), Shane Lowry (Ire)

Selected tee times: 13:38: Sergio Garcia (Spa), Luke Donald (Eng); 14:05: Tiger Woods (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe); 14:27: Rory McIlroy (NI); 14:38: Ian Poulter (Eng); 14:49: Graeme McDowell (NI)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Adam Scott is not happy. After duffing his second shot at 13 from the rough, his par putt from off the green races past the hole. The Australian is three over for the day and one under for the championship as he holes for a bogey.

The wind is getting up around the course and players are beginning to struggle. Justin Rose holes for par to stay at two under and he will be glad to get home as soon as possible.

Oh brother

It could be a big afternoon for the Molinari brothers with both the Italians in contention at the top of the leaderboard. Edoardo and Francesco are tied fourth at four under as they begin their rounds.

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"The wind is whipping across at the moment. It seems to have got stronger, and isn't following the forecast. There are big crowds here today, it's bustling with people."

Hoylake course guide

8th (Briars)

Par four, 431 yards

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A blind tee shot over and out-of-bounds hedge some 190 yards directly in front of you. Miss the trouble and you have relatively straight forward approach to a green protected by four bunkers.

2006 difficulty rating: 13 2014 difficulty rating: 7

Far too heavy from Bubba Watson as he runs his second shot on 14 from the rough past the green and through the other side. He rolls in a putt for bogey and drops to three over.

Justin Rose's tee shot on 13 looked to be heading off the green but a favourable roll gives him a lengthy putt for birdie. Already on two under, a couple of shots on the way in and Rose is very much in contention.

Did you know?

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Rory McIlroy's first-round 63 at St Andrews in 2010 is the joint lowest individual round in The Open history. He missed a 5-foot birdie putt on the 17th, "The Road Hole", which would have given him the outright record, and went on to finish the champions in third.

Other players who have hit a 63 include Greg Norman at Turnberry in 1986, Paul Broadhurst at St Andrews in 1990, Nick Faldo at Royal St George's in 1993 and Payne Stewart in the same year.

Dropped shot for Scott

It isn't dropping for Adam Scott as he drops his third shot of the day on 12 to move back to two under. Playing partner Jason Dufner also drops a shot to fall to one over, while Justin Rose pars and stays at two under.

The wind is picking up and black clouds are lurking ominously. Phil Mickelson skips over the green on 14 to leave himself in the semi rough at one over.

The majestic Open

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Hoylake

"On one tee, a 14-time major winner like Tiger Woods. On an adjacent fairway, a forklift truck driver from Birkenhead who has won golf's equivalent of a Wonka golden ticket by coming through qualifying.

"In each of the stories, a different drama. John Singleton was endearingly astonished to be here, standing on the first tee and staring around at the crowds with a look of wonder on his face.

"Woods, for all his three Opens, for all his flawless play on this course eight years ago, is almost as unexpected a contender."

Ahead of Tiger Woods's 14:05 BST tee time, why not read more of Tom Fordyce's blog?

Birdie for Westwood

Lee Westwood finally sinks a putt for birdie on 11 and moves to two over. Keegan Bradley makes his second birdie in a row on the same hole to move to level par.

Past Hoylake Open winners

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No red numbers for major champions

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One of the morning's showpiece groups are through the 194 yard par three 13th. A menacing hole with thick rough surrounding the hole.

Phil Mickelson leaves another birdie putt short and makes par, Ernie Els and Bubba Watson follow suit to escape with no damage.

Overall scores: Mickelson: +1; Watson: +2; Els: +9.

Bryden Macpherson will be glad it is all over. The Australian finishes on 26 over, after an eight-over par second round. Still, at least he improved from yesterday...... It will take some going for someone to shoot higher over the two rounds.

AP

American Jim Furyk (-4) speaking to BBC Sport ahead of his 13:27 BST tee time: "I've tried to figure the wind out. I watched a bit of it on TV earlier on.

"I'll flight the ball down keep it out of the wind and I've worked on some of those shots but a lot of the decisions will be made on the fly out there.

"I enjoy the challenge of links golf. I don't know if I'd want to do it every week of the year but two or three times is fun. It's a different style of game and a different way to get the ball in the hole."

Ireland's Shane Lowry, on two under, is out of bounds on eight, having double bogeyed seven. Robert Karlsson birdies four to move to four under, while Gary Woodland birdies the last to finish level par.

Hoylake course guide

7th (Telegraph)

Par four, 480 yards

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A tough driving role with bunkers on the left and right. There is gorse further protecting the right side with bunkers and deep rough around the green. The hole generally plays longer than first thought so be generous on your club length.

2006 difficulty rating: 5 2014 difficulty rating: 1

A week off for Larrazabal

Pablo Larrazabal tweets: Unfortunately my week at the Open is finished... Played poorly, chipped poorly, putted poorly,.... 75, 77... Week off and then Akron and PGA.

The Spaniard's five-over par second round left him eight over for the championship.

Close for Rose as a birdie putt on 12 just stays up. The Englishman is two under for the championship. Jason Dufner and Adam Scott also make pars after missed birdie chances to stay level par and three under respectively.

No drinking passes the Open test for Coetzee

Current clubhouse pacesetter South African George Coetzee celebrated his 28th birthday by firing a three-under-par 69 to sit five-under overall, one behind overnight leader Rory McIlroy.

"There's no drinking on my birthday," he joked to BBC Sport's Rishi Persad. "I think the wind kind of suited my game so I could commit to it," added the world number 72 on his second round.

Coetzee's previous best at an Open was 15th in 2011, though he was tied-seventh at the halfway point and two strokes off the lead before he shot 72-74 at the weekend to fall away.

"I think I did learn a lot (from 2011), I know what to expect and it's not too much of a surprise. A little bit of experience helps."

Keegan Bradley misses a tiddler for eagle on 10. He makes birdie to move to one over but will be disappointed at a missed opportunity.

Adam Scott lands his second shot on the green on 12 for a chance to move to four under. Playing partners Justin Rose (-2) and Jason Dufner (E) also with chances of birdies.

Leaderboard

The Open

Selected others: -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Tiger Woods (US), Rickie Fowler (US); -2: Justin Rose (Eng), Stephen Gallagher (Sco);

-1: Charl Schwartzel (SA), Jordan Spieth (US); Par: Darren Clarke (NI), Jason Dufner (US); +1: Phil Mickelson (US), Ian Poulter (Eng), Luke Donald (Eng).

Selected tee times: 13:38: Sergio Garcia (Spa), Luke Donald (Eng); 14:05: Tiger Woods (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe); 14:27: Rory McIlroy (NI); 14:38: Ian Poulter (Eng); 14:49: Graeme McDowell (NI)

Official Open leaderboard; Clubhouse scores; Tee times

Mickelson misses another birdie chance on 12 as he misreads a putt. Another par for the defending champion as he stays at one over. Bubba Watson also misses a putt on 12, but this one is for par and he drops to two over.

All eyes on Rory

Dail Mail

Rory McIlroy must be watching on as one or two threaten to have a pop at his lead. He tees off at 14:27 BST and as the Daily Mail back page shows, the scrutiny will be intense.

McIlroy went into meltdown the last time he led the Open after the first round. He opened with a seven-under-par 63 at St. Andrews in 2010 but blew up with an 80 on the Friday.

Aim for level par

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent at Hoylake

"It's been fascinating to see the way Hoylake has been playing today. Going forward, if the wind dies down, there's a wonderful opportunity for Rory McIlroy. If the wind strengthens he's going to be up against it.

"I think any player around the level par mark by the close of play will think they've got a great chance to win."

Hoylake 'a great test'

Frank Nobilo

Former European Tour golfer on BBC analyst

PA

"It's not the players that have impressed me this morning, it's the golf course. These guys are not used to giving in to anything, but right now the course is giving them a little more than they were expecting. The conditions are fair and its playing well, but a few are still trying to out-muscle it and overpower it.

"It's a great test today and it's as much about character as golfing ability. If the forecast holds and the breeze does quieten down, then things will get significantly easier, which is a huge opportunity for everyone playing this afternoon."

Past Hoylake Open winners

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Stat attack

The PGA Tour tweets: Only two players are in the clubhouse with under-par rounds so far. George Coetzee (tied second) and D.A. Points (tied 42nd) both shot 69 on round two.

Eagle for Rose

Justin Rose eagles the 10th to move to two under. A huge cheer as he sinks a long putt to put himself very much back in the frame. That's three shots made up in two holes for Rose now and he is on a roll.

And the leading Englishman is? Ashley Chesters...

BBC Radio 5 live

Ashley Chesters, the 24-year-old amateur from Shropshire, is currently the leading Englishman after a two-under-par 70 in round one.

His father Nigel, speaking to Radio 5 Live's Clare Balding, thinks his son's ice-cool demeanour might just mean a repeat of his first-round heroics: "He's a very grounded lad. Yesterday was major and he was concerned about his tee shot on the first, but he had a very relaxing day."

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Proper links feel to this 11th hole, the green nestling in a little dingly dell between dunes. Fans munch packed lunches amid the wispy grass and Mickelson, trousers flapping in the breeze, pauses over his putt as a church bell tolls from just over the hedge. Sandwiches are downed to cheer good putts from Watson and Els, before the players and their entourage head off on their merry way, and the munching and crackling of wrappers resumes."

Get involved

BBC

BBC Sport's Ken Brown will be answering your golfing questions on the BBC Sport Twitter page at 12:45 BST - send them in using #kenonthecourse

If you've not seen Ken do his thing, have a look at his analysis of the 'demanding' par-four 17th hole, which is primed to have a say in the result on Sunday.

Here's an early taster of some questions, this one looking way ahead to the Ryder Cup in September:

Mike Williams on Twitter: Would you pick Colin Montgomerie as a wildcard for Gleneagles?

Not a bad call, given the European Ryder Cup stalwart's form of late with two Senior major titles in 2014.

Birdie for Bubba

Birdie for Bubba. His putter is working today as his fourth of the day on 11 moves him to one over and seven shots adrift of Rory McIlroy's lead. He won't think himself out of this yet.

Hit it! Phil Mickelson sees a good birdie chance slip away on 10 as he stays at one over. You get the feeling something is about to happen, but he can't wait too long.

Adam Scott's putting under the microscope

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think he goes at it a little bit too quickly. No practice swings."

Adam Scott, world number one and +1 in round two, missed a makeable birdie putt at the par-three ninth.

Get involved

Ben Clarkson: I've got carpet from Burnden Park's players' lounge, my auntie worked there and got it when it closed!

Andrew Cropper: I have, packed away somewhere, a piece of Luton Town's old artificial pitch after it was ripped up and replaced by grass.

Ernie Els struck a spectator with his ball yesterday and gave him tickets to the weekend's play. We wondered if you have ever been hit by anything at a sporting event or landed a cool memento? Tweet #mysportingmemento.

Coetzee birdies last to take clubhouse lead

Well done George. South African Coetzee ends his round on a high with a birdie on 18 to move to five under. The 28-year-old will be happy with his two-under par round of 69 but, with two dropped shots in the last three, it could have been so much better.

Still, the clubhouse lead for Coetzee and a target to shoot at.

'Wild thing'

PA

Wow. Are you sure John? Big John Daly shows his wild side with some quite startling trousers. He certainly needs some inspiration at five over for the championship, although he is even for the first six holes today.

Double-bogey for Westwood

Reuters

Lee Westwood, what would a hot putter be worth to you?

The Englishman, so often in contention before falling short, three putts on eight and makes double-bogey. It is a grim day for Westy so far and at three over, he has lost four shots in eight holes. His chances seemingly evaporating.

The cut is coming...

With the cut a moveable feast for the coming hours, one or two players will be looking over their shoulders but some gave up the fight a long time ago.

The likes of Ernie Els (+9), Paul Lawrie (+7) and (pictured below) Miguel Angel Jimenez (+6) will be going home barring a stunning turnaround.

AP

Projected cut

The projected cut is currently at two over, though that could creep up if the wind continues to whip as it is.

"I can't see it being more than plus four," says former Europe Ryder Cup captain Mark James.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"It's a day for hard toil at Hoylake, sunny now, but with some real bullets of breeze blowing across the course from the south east towards the Dee Estuary.

"Martin Kaymer, who ran away with the US Open last month, is one who is finding it tough after a double bogey via the gorse on seven and more tangles on 10.

"Caddie Craig Connelly is earning his corn as the pair try to keep the wolf at the door. Royal Liverpool is fighting back."

Brilliant save from Phil Mickelson as he saves par on 10, despite finding the bushes with his tee shot. Bubba Watson moves to two over with a birdie on 10.

Peter Alliss

BBC Sport commentator

"Isn't this game extraordinary. That was a beautifully played chip from Justin Rose. You never know what is going to happen in this sport."

Rose chips in for birdie

A huge cheer from the galleries as Justin Rose chips in for birdie on nine. A pump of the fist from Rose as he moves back to level par. Maybe the spark he needed? Adam Scott misses his birdie putt at the same hole to stay on three under.

Another dropped shot for George Coetzee on 17 as he falls back to four under, two shots off the McIlroy's lead.

Hoylake course guide

6th (New)

Par three, 201 yards

Getty Images

The most challenging par three on the course. Normally played into a crosswind, it is surrounded by deep bunkers. The long, narrow green slopes from back to front.

2006 difficulty rating: 6 2014 difficulty rating: 9

Phil Mickelson gives himself a chance of making an unlikely par on 10, despite finding trouble off the tee. 10 foot putt to stay at one over.

A good second round from American D.A. Points, whose three-under-par round today moves him level par for the championship.

One step forward...

Mark James

Former Ryder Cup captain on BBC TV

"People are making strides forward and then going just as fast backwards. It's that type of course. It was hard enough yesterday in a kinder breeze."

Coetzee in more trouble

George Coetzee is in trouble again. After dropping a shot to lose the joint lead on the last hole, he finds the deep, deep rough with his tee shot and is unable to find the fairway with his second. A real shame for the South African, currently on five under.

Mickelson finds bushes

Phil Mickelson is falling the wrong side of fine margins. Remember he came within a whisker of following up his eagle on five with a birdie on seven but for a missed putt.

Well after bogey on nine, he has just pumped his tee shot on 10 into bushes. 'Lefty' plays a provisional. If he is capable of locating his original ball he must be brilliant at finding the TV remote.

One over for the day, he could be back to where he started on plus two shortly.

American Jordan Spieth: Day 2 out here looking to be more challenging with the wind. Gotta be low and straight all day today.

Spieth tees off alongside Rory McIlroy at 14:27 BST and harbours hopes of a first major himself. He is currently one under par.

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Challenges, challenges... Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson take advice from their caddies as they assess the dangers that lurk ahead.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee is doing very nicely with a birdie on 11 taking him to three under for the day and the championship.

Coetzee drops a shot

No sign of any caution from co-leader George Coetzee as he pushes a a putt for birdie a few feet past the hole. He isn't the co-leader any more as he misses the putt for par to return to five under.

Who is George Coetzee?

Our co-leader George Coetzee is ranked 72 in the world and has a best major finish of 15th in the 2011 Open.

He has one win on the European Tour which arrived in February and earned him his place at the Open.

Should he finish where he is now, it will be his biggest pay day since turning professional in 2007 by a country mile.

So close for Phil Mickelson. His 15 footer for birdie on nine just moves away at the last moment as he stays at one over.

Did you know?

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Tommy Morris Junior is the youngest player to have ever played at The Open, competing in 1865 aged 14 years, four months and 25 days. His father, Tom Morris Senior, is the oldest player ever, playing in 1896 aged 74 years, 11 months and 24 days.

Get involved

The Open moments floodgates are officially... open. No sooner did BBC Sport's Dan Walker ask you for your best ones and there are suddenly plenty on offer:

Danny Barnes: I was at Royal Liverpool GC when Seve Ballesteros made his last birdie at an Open Championship and maybe his last major.

Eugie B: 72nd hole at Carnoustie '07 when Padraig's son ran on to the green. It lifted PH's spirits instantly. Just a lovely moment.

That moment triggered one of the greatest Open quotes from Harrington junior: "Daddy, can we put ladybirds in it (the trophy)?"

Matt Purcell: The beer tent gets better every year.

We'll know where to find you then, Matt.

Hoylake course guide

5th (Long)

Par five, 528 yards

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The big hitters, and brave, will fancy their chances of picking up scores here by driving to the corner of the dog-leg, over the waiting gorse, and going for the green in two. This hole yielded 23 eagles and 205 birdies during the 2006 Open. Dangerous bunkers lie in wait though as does a heavily contoured green.

2006 difficulty rating: 16 2014 difficulty rating: 17

Coetzee deadly on greens

George Coetzee's place at the top of the leaderboard has been heavily influenced by his deadly putting. He is through 15 holes today, 33 in total and has one-putted on 19 of them.

Only five players have broken par on the outward nine so far today. This is a test today. Justin Rose, as if to prove that, drops a shot on seven to move to one over.

Mickelson drops a shot

Mickelson drops to one over after a bogey at the eight. Brilliant par putt from Adam Scott on seven to stay at three under.

Leaderboard

How about it? Co-leaders as George Coetzee rips through 15 holes.

The Open

Selected others:-3: Adam Scott (Aus), Tiger Woods (US), Rickie Fowler (US) Rafa Cabrera-Bello (Spa); -2: Thomas Bjorn (Den), Stephen Gallagher (Sco); -1: Jordan Spieth (US), Hunter Mahan (US);

Par: Justin Rose (Eng), Jason Dufner (US), Darren Clarke (NI), Henrik Stenson (Swe); +1: Phil Mickelson (US), Ian Poulter (Eng), Lee Westwood (Eng)

Selected tee times: 13:38: Sergio Garcia (Spa), Luke Donald (Eng); 14:05: Tiger Woods (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe); 14:27: Rory McIlroy (NI); 14:38: Ian Poulter (Eng); 14:49: Graeme McDowell (NI)

Full leaderboard and tee times.Clubhouse scores

Justin Rose is only able to advance the ball about 60 yards with his second shot from the deep rough at the seventh. Has a chance to get down in two still to stay at level par, after his approach lands within 15 feet of the hole. Another dropped shot for Martin Kaymer on the ninth, his fourth in the last three holes, to move back to two over.

Phil Mickelson's charge comes to an abrupt halt after a chip around the eighth green is under hit and comes back almost to his feet. He faces a fight to stay at level par.

Coetzee takes a share of the lead at six under

South Africa's George Coetzee looks like he is heading for another birdie after hitting his tee shot at the 15th to within a few feet of the pin.

He sinks the putt and takes a share of the lead with Rory McIlroy at six under. A third birdie in a row for the birthday boy.

Three in seventh test

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No damage to the cards of Jason Dufner, Adam Scott and Justin Rose on the sixth hole. They now face the hardest hole on the course in the par four seventh.

A par four, measuring 480 yards, it is averaging 4.4 strokes this week so far, giving up just seven birdies this week.

Scott is three under, Rose and Dufner are level par.

On this day

The Open

On this day in 1993, Greg Norman won the Open Championship at Royal St George's. He struck a final round of six under to lift the Claret Jug for the second time.

The Australian, known as 'The Great White Shark' robbed Nick Faldo who had led on day two and three.

Hoylake course guide

4th (Road)

Par four, 372 yards

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The shortest par four on the course bur don't expect an easy time. Three newly situated bunkers will swallow any wayward drives, with players looking to stay left on a narrow fairway to open up the green. Birdie opportunities should be common.

2006 difficulty rating: 11 2014 difficulty rating: 14

Clutch putt made by Adam Scott to stay at three under on the sixth, while Phil Mickelson misses a birdie chance on the seventh to get into the red. Things are slipping away for Martin Kaymer after a storming start, as a third dropped shot in two holes on the eighth moves him back to one over.

Coetzee on the charge

What a birthday this is turning out to be for South African George Coetzee. The 28-year-old sinks another long putt on the 14th for his fourth birdie of the day to move to five under and within a shot of leader Rory McIlory.

Mickelson is working up a bit of momentum. His approach shot on the seventh leaves him within eight feet for birdie. The defending champion has picked up three shots in the last three holes to move to level par for the championship.

Almost the bunker for Justin Rose's tee shot on the sixth but it skips around the edge and somehow works its way onto the green. Rose is level par for his round and the championship.

Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello is sitting nicely in tied 10th at the moment after a birdie on the first moves him to three under. Ireland's Shane Lowry is under way after an impressive first-round 68 left him on four under.

Blistering Birthday boy

PA

The birthday boy George Coetzee must have had a great present this morning. He is beaming.

Coetzee, 28, has just dropped a putt from over 50 feet on the 13th green. It was travelling, but deadly accurate and he is now four under and closing in on the lead.

The South African started playing golf as a 10-year-old and won the first tournament he ever played in, shooting 49 on a nine hole course.

Birdie for Scott

At last, something has gone right for Adam Scott today. He makes up for one of his two dropped shots with a birdie at five to return to three under and three shots off the lead.

Adam Scott for eagle on the fifth. Close, but he leaves himself a testing putt from three feet for birdie. He needs this after dropping back to two under.

Hoylake course guide

3rd (Course)

Par four, 426 yards

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With a tee shot flanked by out of bounds on one side and the clubhouse on the other, bravery and accuracy are tested. A sharp dog leg to the right requires a well-positioned drive, before an approach of around 190 yards to a green protected by a swale on the safer left side away from the out of bounds on the right.

2006 difficulty rating: 8 2014 difficulty rating: 11

Keep your fascinating tales about unexpected accidents and mementos at sporting events coming. Here are a couple more corkers:

Dan in Newcastle: Michael Vaughan hit me on the head with his umbrella whilst walking past me at Lord's in the heavy rain in 2005.

Anon: Lytham '88. Seve smashes a drive deep into a huge bush. The ball whistled over my head and I saw exactly where it had gone, and so dived in after it. I signalled that I had found it and in clambers Seve with a 7 iron. Every other player in the field would have taken a drop, but not Seve, oh no. He then grips the club halfway down the shaft and hacks it out left handed about 3 yards. Enough to then hit the green and save par. All I got in return for finding the lost ball was a smile and a nod. A memory I'll treasure forever.

Contact us via Twitter using #mysportingmemento, using Google + or on our Facebook page.

Adam Scott gives himself an outside chance of an eagle with a wedge to within 20 feet on the fifth. He needs something to happen to spark his round into life having dropped back to two under for the tournament.

A massive blow for Martin Kaymer as he double bogeys the par-four seventh after finding the gorse with his tee shot. Kaymer has moved back to one under.

Booming off the tee

Those tee shots on the fifth were just like you probably produce down your local driving range.

Adam Scott lampooned his ball 362 yards, cutting off a massive dog-leg. Justin Rose crashed it a pathetic 358 yards and Jason Dufner flew 312. These guys need to hit the weights room.

Past Hoylake Open winners

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Martin Kaymer has already played four on the par-four seventh and isn't yet on the green. The German was flying this morning with three birdies from the first six holes but he will at least drop back to one under for the championship here.

His chip from the semi rough is five feet from the hole, leaving him a fight for a bogey.

What a drive by Adam Scott, who is two under for the championship, on the fifth. He shrugs his shoulders but looks to have left himself no more than a nine iron for his second shot on the par five. Chance to make up a couple of dropped shots. Not so good for playing partner Jason Dufner (E), who puts his tee shot into the bunker.

Get involved

Finlay Penrose

Finlay Penrose: "I have the flags, refs notebook and signed program from 100th FA Cup Final."

In light of Ernie Els striking a spectator with a ball, we are asking you if you have ever been hit by something at a sporting event or walked away with a cool memento. Tweet us on #mysportingmemento or text on 81111.

Kaymer in trouble

Martin Kaymer is in real trouble in the gorse on the seventh from the tee.

The German is three under for the day and two under for the tournament but is scrapping here. He has taken a drop and now faces a 220 yard shot to the green from the rough.

Mickelson eagles the fifth

Phil Mickelson eagles the fifth as he moves to two under for the day and even par for the championship. After a birdie at the fourth as well, don't rule the defending champion out just yet.

Bubba Watson birdies the fifth to move to two over.

"Will Rory McIlroy have another Freaky Friday?" asks Alistair Tait of Golfweek.com.

McIlroy has averaged the lowest opening round of any player on the PGA Tour this season, but his second round has been typically nowhere near as consistent.

"McIlroy is in familiar territory at the top of the leaderboard Thursday," writes Tait. "Where he'll be Friday evening is anybody's guess."

Leaderboard

The Open

So no change at the top yet as our leaders remain in the clubhouse, but movement further down.

Selected others: -3: George Coetzee (SA), Bill Haas (US), Adam Scott (Aus), Tiger Woods (US); -2: Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen (SA).

Par: Lee Westwood (Eng), Justin Rose (Eng), Jason Day (Aus)

Selected tee times: 13:38: Sergio Garcia (Spa), Luke Donald (Eng); 14:05: Tiger Woods (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe); 14:27: Rory McIlroy (NI); 14:38: Ian Poulter (Eng); 14:49: Graeme McDowell (NI)

Full leaderboard and tee times.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Much chat in the build-up to the Open about which clubs players would use after Tiger Woods kept his driver in its scabbard in 2006, preferring to drill two irons down the sunbaked fairways to avoid running into the long grass.

"Conditions are very different this week, not as fiery, and Rory McIlroy used his driver on the fifth, seventh, 16th and 18th and wishes he had used it on 17, too. But the two-iron is still very much in evidence. Phil Mickelson has brought a two iron and a 64 degree wedge, which are kept in the cupboard for the other 51 weeks of the year.

"Same for Bubba Watson, who keeps his "Open" two iron in his "golf locker". Adam Scott carries a two iron anyway, while McIlroy usually carries a five wood instead but has opted for a two iron this week. Graeme McDowell, on the other hand, doesn't have a two iron, preferring a five wood and three hybrid. Which goes to show there's more than one way to skin a links course. "

Scott drops another shot

Adam Scott is having a bit of a nightmare early on as he misses his second par putt in succession on the third to move back to two under. The Australian can't afford to let too many more shots slip away.

PA

Justin Rose misses a birdie putt on the third and stays at even. Jason Dufner has to settle for a par on the third after missing a makeable birdie putt and stays at one under.

Westwood drops a shot

Bubba Watson (+3) into the thick stuff after brandishing his big pink driver on the fifth. Lee Westwood drops a shot at the second after pushing a tiddler past the hole. He moves back to level par.

Get involved

Danny Smith

Danny Smith: A signed Adam Scott flag from the 2012 Open. Would've been a great #MySportingMemento if he hadn't blown it!

In light of Ernie Els striking a spectator with a ball, we are asking you if you have ever been hit by something at a sporting event or walked away with a cool memento. Tweet us on #mysportingmemento or text on 81111.

Get involved

Tom Richardson Twitter

Tom Richardson: My sporting memento is a Kippax turnstile from Maine Road! Still not been put to use!

In light of Ernie Els striking a spectator with a ball, we are asking you if you have ever been hit by something at a sporting event or walked away with a cool memento. Tweet us on #mysportingmemento or text on 81111.

Disappointing for Adam Scott (-3) as his approach shot at the third rolls off the back of the green and into the semi rough. After a dropped shot at the last hole, the Aussie would have been hoping to strike straight back. Playing partner Justin Rose shows him how to do it by pitching onto the green, some 15 feet from the home. Chance for birdie to move to one under.

South African George Coetzee is going quietly about his business as he moves to within three shots of the lead at three under. His birdie at the 10th is his second of the day, after a bogey on the second.

Another birdie for Kaymer

Martin Kaymer is attacking the course today as he puts an eagle put just wide of the hole on the fifth, before popping in for a birdie to move to two under. The German has made three birdies in the first five holes.

Get involved

We asked you for your tales about unexpected accidents at sporting events and here are some bruising early offerings:

Bruce in Northumberland: I've been hit by a snooker ball in the neck, they are quite heavy, left a bruise for two weeks.

Rich in London: Leicester City (my club) v Manchester United at Filbert Street. We were sitting behind the goal as David Beckham was practising his free- kicks before kick-off. Cut a story short, my mate next to me took one of Becks' signature curlers right in the kisser! It was hilarious! Although he had the last laugh as he was invited into the dressing room after the match where the legend to be offered him either a kiss on the cheek from Victoria or his boots... he took the boots!

Geoff: Hit on the hip by a Sergio Garcia wedge shot at the Ryder Cup. Stopped the ball going more off line.

You can also chip in via Twitter using #mysportingmemento, via Google + or on our Facebook page.

Prepped and ready for day two

BBC Sport

Ever wondered how Mark James and Peter Allis stay across everything? A plethora of screens and notes, that's how.

Here they are, running the rule over every blow.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Think the players treat the Open just like any other event? Not likely. Here's Rory McIlroy yesterday. "I mentioned to my caddie JP, walking up the third fairway after all of us had hit good shots in, 'there's nothing like the atmosphere of an Open Championship'. It is different, the crowds are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, it's just a pleasure to play in front of them."

Rose pars the second

Justin Rose stays at level par as he holes from five feet to save his par.

Birdie start for Keegan Bradley from 10 feet. He moves to level par for the tournament. Justin Rose (E) shows his delicate touch with a bump up from off the green to within five feet off the hole on the second. Playing partner Adam Scott chips out of the bunker and uses the contours of the green to give himself 10 feet for par. He misses the putt to drop to three under.

Get involved

Jez: I once played Alex Higgins in a frame of snooker and won. He gave me a spare cue he had in his case which I've treasured.

Rob C: A patch of turf from Celtic Park when Celtic won the league in 1998 and stopped Rangers winning 10 in a row.

In light of Ernie Els striking a spectator with a ball, we are asking you if you have ever been hit by something at a sporting event or walked away with a cool memento. Tweet us on #mysportingmemento or text on 81111.

Adam Scott (-4) is just off the green with his approach on the second, while Lee Westwood pushes his birdie putt past the hole on the first to stay at one under.

Solid start from Lee Westwood (-1) as he puts the ball to within 20 feet of the hole on the first. A definite birdie chance for Westy, who needs to get his putter working this week.

Mickelson drops a shot

Phil Mickelson drops a shot at the third after tickling a 15 footer to the right of the hole. The defending champion is three over for the championship as his dreams of retaining the Claret Jug appear to be fading. Bubba Watson taps in for a par to stay at three over.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"If you're a big name pro golfer you have to stride off the first tee with your shoulders pinned back, chin out, looking straight ahead. Justin Rose does allow himself a wink at some kids who call out but otherwise it's game face. As the players and their entourage sweep past, BBC TV's Dan Walker and pundit Frank Nobilo dive in to do a quick chat as the group heads away up the first.

"Behind the first tee grandstand the big gallery with the Mickelson, Els, Bubba group reach the second green and third tee. Much hubbub, shafts of sunlight and a breeze to keep you honest. All's well."

Did you know?

Getty Images

Louis Oosthuizen's 65 at St Andrews in 2010 was the lowest first round shot on the way to winning to The Open. The South African ended up clinching his maiden major title by seven strokes.

Get involved

What a start to our #mysportingmemento request. We want to know if you have ever been hit by anything at a sporting event? Did you leave with a cool memento or bruises only?

C Ashton: The great Seve hitting me on the shins at the par 3 Hoylake in the 2006 Open. Then apologising. I forgive you Seve.

PA

Send us your own tales to #mysportingmemento or by texting in on 81111.

Lee Westwood takes out the driver at the first and is safely bouncing down the fairway. 'Westy' was one over after the first round and will believe his Open duck could come to an end this week. He believes that every time mind.......

The best score so far today is Gary Woodland, who has moved to three under for the day and level for the tournament after an eagle and a birdie. The American is through seven.

Steady start for Ernie

That's more like it Ernie. After a horrendous start yesterday, Els has parred the opening two holes but still looks unlikely to make the cut after a seven over first round. Bubba Watson shows his putter is working as he pars from distance at the second to stay at three over.

Get involved

Ernie Els Twitter

Ernie Els admitted he suffered mentally after hitting a spectator with a fan on the first tee yesterday. It sparked a calamitous round of seven over.

With this in mind, we are asking if you have ever been hit by something at a sporting event? Did it land you a trip to casualty or a cool memento? Tweet us on #mysportingmemento or text us by sending a message to 81111.

Justin Rose gets his second round underway with a drive down the centre of the fairway. Perfect. After a level-par first round, Rose will want to make some early shots today.

Playing partners Adam Scott (-4) and Jason Dufner (-2) are also in good shape in a group that will be worth keeping an eye on.

Get involved

We asked you for your tales about unexpected accidents at sporting events and here's a bruising early offering:

Bruce in Northumberland: I've been hit by a snooker ball in the neck, they are quite heavy, left a bruise for two weeks.

You can also contact us via a tweet to #golfingmementos or on our

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Big reception for Mickelson, Els and Bubba Watson as they strode onto the first tee. They all offer hearty handshakes and beamy smiles to starter Ivor Robson and then snaffle pocket loads of tees and pencil from his goody tray. Mickelson, with that trademark slightly bemused grin, swishes his driver until his name is called and then bangs one into trouble.

"He walks back to Bones muttering and shaking his head. Els waggles his backside like a duck before caressing one down there, managing not to hit anyone, and Watson wraps his pink driver around his head, his body lurching violently in recoil as the ball bends off into the Hoylake hay. Big day needed all round."

Hoylake course guide

2nd (Stand)

Par four, 454 yards

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A new Championship tee has been built to add some 18 yards to the length of the hole. Four old fairway bunkers have been removed from the landing area but the hole still requires an accurate tee shot and a precise approach to another heavily-guarded green.

2006 difficulty rating: 3 2014 difficulty rating: 3

Birdie for Bubba

A few birdies being made around the course now as Bubba Watson picks up a shot on the first to move to three over. The American had a frustrating opening round and needs something very special to get back into contention.

US Open champion Martin Kaymer (-1) means business. His approach shot on the third gives him a chance of a third birdie of the morning.

Sand castles in Hoylake

Chris Hanson

Surely that's a one-stroke penalty?

Leeds-born Chris Hanson and his daughter made a fun use of one of Hoylake's bunkers after play had finished on Thursday. That's about as much fun as you can have in one of those craters.

Hanson, 28, is nine over par and barring a miracle when he tees off at 16:06 BST, will miss the cut.

Eagle for Woodland

Gary Woodland makes eagle on the fifth with a sizeable putt. He moves to two under for the day and over for the championship.

Kaymer's fast start

Here we go, this is what we wanted, an early charger. Well, the start of one maybe.

It is Martin Kaymer. After birdie on one, he taps in a simple three-footer on the second and that takes him to one under, five off the lead.

Phil Mickelson goes big at the first, too big, as his second iron shot takes a few bounces on the green befoer bouncing off the back. The defending champion is two over for the tournament and needs to chase a score today.

Big three finished?

Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Bubba Watson tee it up on the first. Did they all blow their chances yesterday?

Mickelson is two over, Watson plus four and Els three worse off. Not good gents, speedy progress needed.

Andrew Cotter

BBC Sport commentator

BBC

"Forecast for Hoylake. Early / Late starters Thu / Fri certainly with the best of it."

BBC coverage

Open coverage is now live on BBC Two. You can watch by clicking on the Live Coverage tab at the top of the page.

Rose gets Player tip

Justin Rose Instagram

Just Rose on Instagram: "Nice pre round chat with Gary Player. He said to stay patient. Good advice after an average opener today."

Fresh from advice from the nine-time major winner, Rose goes off at 09:26 BST and starts on level par.

Birdie for Kaymer

Nice start for Martin Kaymer as he birdies the first to move to level par for the tournament. One under is the best anyone has managed so far today.

Past Hoylake Open winners

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Eagle for Iwata

It has been an up and down round for Japan's Hiroshi Iwata as he moves back into the red for the day with an eagle at the par-five 10th. He has also made three birdies today and four bogeys to stand at three under for the tournament.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Ever the pro, Phil Mickelson's caddie Bones is out in the putting green in front of the clubhouse ahead of his man, yardage book in hand, eyes darting from flag to flag and comparing directions with the hole layouts. Mickelson and chums Ernie Els and Bubba Watson still on the range which unusually is over the road from the course and behind some houses, such is the battle for space here."

Germany's Martin Kaymer is underway as he looks to move into the red today after a one-over par round yesterday. He is playing with Zach Johnson (-1) and Jason Day (+1).

Ken Brown

BBC Sport commentator

BBC

"Looking a little brighter over Hilbre..... More breeze this morning."

Birdie for Jimenez

A good start for Miguel Angel Jimenez as he looks to launch his Open challenge today. The Spaniard birdies the first to move to two over for the tournament. A lot of work to do to get back into contention.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee is also one under for the day after a birdie at the first. He is also one under for the tournament.

Did you know?

Getty Images

Only six players have been the outright leader of all four rounds of the Open, since it became a 72-hole championship. Ted Ray was the first in 1912 before Bobby Jones in 1927), Gene Sarazen in 1932, Henry Cotton in 1934 and Tom Weiskopf (pictured) in 1973. Tiger Woods was the last winner to have the outright lead from start to finish in the 2005 win at St Andrews.

Time to go home?

Bryden Macpherson, it looks like you have the weekend to yourself.

The 20-year-old Australian has hit a five on each of the first five holes today, four bogeys and one par, to be four over for the day. That isn't the worst of it though as he was already 18 over for the tournament, so is now nine shots adrift at the bottom of the leaderboard at 22 over.

I reckon even I could give him a match in this sort of form. Actually, maybe not.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Want some stats for Rory McIlroy from round one? Course you do. He led in driving distance with an average of 340.5 yards ahead of American Brooks Koepka (338.5). He was tied 60th in fairways hit with 9 out of 14 and was tied 11th in greens in regulation with 14 of 18 hit to leave two putts for par. And he was tied ninth in putts with 27 (the leaders had 25). All of which adds up to a six-under 66, the lead in the Open and warning to the field that the Mc is back. At least until Freaky Friday or Hoylake's winds blow him off course today."

The buzz returns

Now we can sell it to you all we want, BBC Sport's live text may be pretty cool, but there can't be many better places to watch the action than here - the media centre at Royal Liverpool.

BBC Sport's Chris Latchem has his space picked out with the giant scoreboard in good view.

BBC Sport

'Silence on the course'

The R&A issued a statement pleading with spectators to keep mobile phones on silent and to not take pictures after Tiger Woods expressed his frustration at being distracted during his first-round 69 by ringtones and the click of photographs being taken, reports the Daily Telegraph.

On the 18th, Woods halted in mid-swing and shouted "Jesus Christ" after his annoyance at the noise got the better of him. The R&A chose to outlaw mobiles after Woods's complaints at Hoylake eight years ago but repealed the ban in 2012.

"People were taking pictures - like we had it all day today," Woods said. "There was a lot of cameras out there. We were backing off a lot of shots and a lot of people moving around. It was tough. Unfortunately people just don't put their phones on silent or some of the professionals guys were getting on the trigger a little early."

Tough day ahead

The 2011 champion Darren Clarke tweets: "Strong breeze out there this morning...course will be playing tough. Might be a low ball flight day!"

Clarke is currently level par and tees off at 13:27 BST.

Snedeker birdies the first

At last, someone is under par for the day - two players to be precise. Brandt Snedeker has birdied the first to move to one over for the tournament, while playing partner and amateur Cheng-tsung Pan is also one over for the championship after a birdie at the first.

BBC

There will be a few sore people this morning after a gloriously sunny day at the Open yesterday. Those sun hats will have to be swapped for umbrellas today.

Get involved

After all this chat about being hit by a golf ball, I want to hear some of your tales about unexpected accidents at sporting events.

Have you ever been hit by something, be it a player, a ball, an object, during watching any sporting event? Have you come away with any unusual sporting souvenirs? Let me know via a tweet to #bbcgolf and on text via 81111 (UK users only).

AP

Nine groups out and not one player under par for the day. Japan's Hiroshi Iwata has gone back to level par for the day after a bogey at the sixth.

Former Open champion, Scotland's Sandy Lyle (+13), has started badly, at three over after two. Conditions are tough.

Hoylake course guide

1st (Royal)

Par four, 458 yards

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A tough opening test, with both tee shot and the approach heavily protected by bunkers. When the wind blows you tend to be hitting right into it and even a solid drive leaves a long second shot. Miss the fairway and you're probably in punishing rough.

2006 difficulty ranking: 7 2014 difficulty ranking: 5

Getty Images

It seems being hit by a golf ball was a common thing yesterday as a marshal was hit by two golf balls within an hour.

Bill Davies, who was marshalling at the 16th hole, was initially struck on his leg by Rickie Fowler's ball and then on the shoulder by Charl Schwartzel's.

Here is an interview with him here.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Two and half seasons in one day so far at Hoylake this morning. Shafts of sunlight, rodding rain, big black clouds, honking wind. Muggy, too. Risk of thunder until lunchtime then the sky will settle and the intensity of the gusts will reduce from about 35mph to 25mph and eventually 10-15 by this evening.. The wind's blowing from the east currently, a different direction to the prevailing west winds, so plenty there to keep the players minds occupied. Adam Scott said last night a day of wind would separate the field. Looks like that day is here."

Third birdie in a row for Iwata

Hiroshi Iwata is a man on the charge. A third birdie in a row at the par-five fifth takes him to one under for the day and three under for the tournament. If only he hadn't started with two bogeys.

It has just been brought to my attention that Rory McIlory hasn't always failed on Friday's this year, with three of his last 15 tournaments bringing a better second-round score than first round. Still that means he hasn't done as well in 12 tournaments...... Stats like that can't fail but to get in your head.

Woods 'not surprised' by start

Tiger Woods said he was not surprised with his impressive start to the Open Championship at Hoylake despite a season curtailed by injury.

The 14-time major champion began with two bogeys but fought back for a three-under-par 69 to be three off the lead.

Woods, 38, had back surgery in March and has only played once since.

He said: "I knew I could do it. I felt good about a lot of things I did out there, especially to fight myself back into the championship."

Is there more to come for Tiger?

Nightmare for Els

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Two-time champion Ernie Els said he was badly affected by his opening drive at the Open at Royal Liverpool, which hit a spectator in the face.

The South African three-putted from 18 inches for a triple-bogey seven and went out in 42, seven over par.

Els, 44, improved on the back nine but finished with a disappointing 79.

"I felt pretty bad about it. I hit the guy, who was probably in his 60s, right in the face and there was blood everywhere," said Els.

Birdie for Iwata

Go on Hiroshi. Japan's Iwata has well and truly and woken up after a second successive birdie on the fourth to move back to two under for the tournament and level par for the day. He is only four shots adrift of leader Rory McIlory. None of the 18 starters are under par for the day yet though.

Highlights

Miss any of the action yesterday? Don't fear, you can click on the highlights tab at the top of the page to see clips of some of the best moments.

These include Henrik Stenson snapping his club and Tiger Woods's top five shots. Have a look.

BBC

A look at the BBC weather forecast above and you would have to say conditions are set up perfectly for the players going off later today. Leader Rory McIlory will hope the rain has long gone before he gets underway this afternoon.

And here he goes again. After dropping two shots over the opening two holes yesterday and today, Japan's Hiroshi Iwata (-1) has again got his act together with a birdie at the third.

If only he could play a 16 hole Open without the first two holes, he would probably be in with a shout.

The Open ‏on Twitter: The wind has picked up a bit and there's some rain too, proper Open weather!

BBC coverage

The BBC will bring you comprehensive coverage of the Open Championship from Royal Liverpool across TV, radio, online and mobile devices.

With exclusive coverage from four days of play, the BBC will deliver over 40 hours of live TV coverage on BBC One and BBC Two in HD, 48 hours of radio on BBC Radio 5 live, exclusive behind-the-scenes social media from BBC Sport and up to four BBC Red Button streams.

The BBC Sport website will offer up to five live streams as well as live text commentary, on-demand video, the latest leaderboard and features, including an exclusive column from Graeme McDowell.

Nicky Campbell with Breakfast is from Hoylake now on BBC Radio 5 live, before live coverage starts at 09:00 BST, while coverage begins on BBC Two at 09:00 BST. You can view and listen by clicking on the Live Coverage tab at the top of the page.

PA

If the early signs are anything to go by, we could be in for some high scores this morning with not one of the nine players through the first hole under par. Japan's Hiroshi Iwata has already dropped two shots to move back to level par, while Scotland's Jamie McLeary (+2), America's Shawn Stefani (+2) and England's Tyrrell Hatton (+5) have also dropped shots.

Iwata probably won't panic too much as after dropping two shots on the opening two holes yesterday, he went to on to pick up four shots over the rest of the round. Slow starter then......

So who should we watch out for early on today with a lot of the big hitters not teeing off till later on?

The first player who shot an under-par score yesterday to tee-off this morning will be South African George Coetzee at 07:20 BST, with American Boo Weekley (-3) starting at 08:04 BST and Australian Adam Scott (-4) at 09:26 BST.

Leader Rory McIlroy (-6) doesn't start until 14:27 BST, with Tiger Woods (-3) off at 14:05 BST, and Sergio Garcia (-4) at 13:38 BST.

See all the tee-times here.

Leaderboard

This is the leaderboard after day one - and you can follow the Open's own leaderboard to see how they get on today.....

BBC

Selected others: -3: Rickie Fowler (US), Tiger Woods (US), Jason Dufner (US); -1: Stewart Cink (US), Hunter Mahan (US), Lee Westwood (Eng)

Par: David Howell (Eng), Darren Clarke (NI), Henrik Stenson (Swe), Zach Johnson (US), Justin Rose (Eng)

+1: Martin Kaymer (Ger), Ian Poulter (Eng), Luke Donald (Eng); +2: Paul Casey (Eng), Phil Mickelson (US); +4 Bubba Watson (US); +7 Ernie Els (SA)

The Open on Twitter: Scotland's @JamieMcLeary64 gets round two underway almost exactly when the rain starts. It could be an interesting day!

We are underway at Hoylake already this morning with Japan's Hiroshi Iwata dropping a shot on the first to move back to one under for the tournament.

Yesterday saw perfect weather conditions for almost the entire field but things look as though they are going to be very different this time around. The rain has started to fall, the wind is blowing and those going out later today are expected to have the better of it.

BBC

So how can you cope with the pressure Rory?

Friday feeling

Rory McIlroy says he will try to approach the second round at the Open with no expectations as he attempts to banish his 'Freaky Friday' trend.

The 25-year-old Northern Irishman shot an opening six-under-par round of 66 to lead the field by one shot at Hoylake.

But he has had a string of poor Friday rounds this season including a 78 after a 64 at last week's Scottish Open.

"When you go out on Thursday, there are not many expectations. I've got to approach it like that," he said.

Day one at the Open

Rory McIlroy produced some majestic golf to set the pace on a glorious first day of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

The 25-year-old shot a stunning six-under 66 to head Italy's Matteo Manassero, 21, by one stroke.

World number one Adam Scott, Spain's Sergio Garcia, Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari, Ireland's Shane Lowry and Americans Brooks Koepka and Jim Furyk were another shot further back.

Tiger Woods, who won at the Hoylake course the last time it staged the Open in 2006, fired a three-under 69 despite having played only one tournament since back surgery in March.

See the full report of day one here.

Good morning and welcome to what should prove another intriguing day of golf at round two of the 143rd Open.

What a day we had yesterday. With McIlroy's pace-setting, Tiger Woods's impressive comeback, forklift truck driver John Singleton making his Open debut and Ernie Els's collapse - there were more storylines than a month's worth of Eastenders.

Cue the theme tune, here we go again.

EPA

So now for the hard part.

After setting the pace on day one of the Open with a flawless display of golf, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy knows he is there to be shot at today.

An expected change in the weather, the pressure of being in front and of course shaking off that Friday feeling now stand in his way at Hoylake.

Over to you Rory.