Jackson Suber is getting a taste of links-golf vagaries in Round 2 of The Open.
Following a birdie at the second hole Friday to extend his overnight advantage, the 26-year-old American made three consecutive bogeys on Nos. 6-8. He turned in 2-over 36, dropping to 3 under and losing his lead.
Midway through his second round, which began at 7:30 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. ET), Suber was tied for fifth, one shot back of a quartet of leaders, including England’s Matt Wallace.
154th OPEN LEADERBOARD: ROUND 2 LIVE SCORING
He quickly bounced back, however, with birdies on Nos. 10 and 11 to get to even par for the round and 5 under for the championship. He also regained his lead.
Suber said after Thursday’s opening 65, that he had never played links golf until Monday’s practice round at Royal Birkdale. In fact, he had never before been to Europe.
A former top-ranked amateur at Ole Miss, Suber made six birdies, one eagle and three bogeys in Round 1.