NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — Bernd Wiesberger carded a 10-under 61 at the Scottish Open to move into a three-way tie for the lead after the second round on Friday.
The lowest round of Wiesberger’s career on the European Tour lifted him alongside England’s Lee Slattery and South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen, who shot consecutive 64s to be at 14 under.
They were two strokes ahead of Henrik Stenson and Nino Bertasio of Italy. Stenson remained bogey-free after a second 65, while Bertasio dropped a shot on his last hole.
A shot further back at 11 under was a group of five including former No. 1 Justin Thomas, who made eight birdies and a bogey in a 64. Thomas has an eye on improving his poor record in the British Open next week having missed the cut in the last two years following a tie for 53rd on his debut at Royal Troon in 2016.
''If you told me I’d be 11 under I would not have guessed I’d be three shots back but I’m very happy to post two good scores,’' said Thomas, who was sidelined by a wrist injury this season.
Full-field scores from the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
Dry and calm conditions smoothed the way for another glut of low scores at The Renaissance Club. Rory McIlroy was at 8 under, six off the pace, after a pair of 67s but playing partner Rickie Fowler missed the cut by one stroke at 5 under.
Matt Kuchar, tied with three others for the lead after the opening round, slipped to 9 under after a 1-under 71. He began and ended his round with double bogeys.
Wiesberger won his fifth European Tour title in May at the Made in Denmark, and was tied for second last week at the Irish Open. Shooting 10 under for the first time as a pro ''was a nice bonus,’' the Austrian said.
''It’s just going with the flow,’' he added. ''I’m not thinking too much.’'
After starting on the back nine, he made the turn in 32. He finished with five consecutive birdies.