The 145th Open: Henrik Stenson pleased with second round 65 in 'nasty' conditions
Last Updated: 15/07/16 9:50pm
Henrik Stenson was understandably delighted after carding a second round 65 to move to within one stroke of leader Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon.
The Swede started the round on three under and went out in 33 after four birdies in five holes between three and seven before recovering from a bogey at the ninth to complete the back nine in 32.
As pleased as he was with his score, Stenson admitted that it was an efficient rather than stylish round in tough conditions.
"In terms of scoring it was a great round," he told Sky Sports. "You can certainly play prettier golf at times but I kept it together nicely, turned the good stuff into birdies and when I was in a little bit of trouble I saved myself pretty much all the way around.
"It was an interesting day. It started off fairly good on the first couple of holes, not too much rain, but then the wind and rain kept on battering us a bit and it looks potentially even worse for this afternoon so I'm happy with this score."
After a bright and largely wind-free first day, the players had to cope with rain and gusty conditions on Friday and Stenson spoke of the challenges that he was presented with.
"You've got to hit more club to get to the same spots really," he explained. "Prevailing wind is downwind and then you'd hit some short clubs to get in position. Instead of a four or five iron it was a two iron and possibly even three woods to get to some of the spots.
"It was pretty decent conditions up until about six and then it really started raining and got nasty before it eased off. From nine onwards it was tough for a while and I was hanging on. I dropped one on nine but I was really happy with the birdie on 10 and the couple of pars that followed."
Soren Kjeldsen also enjoyed a productive round, backing up his first round 67 with a bogey-free 68 and he believes that embracing the challenge of the less-than-ideal conditions is crucial.
"It is huge when you play links golf, I enjoy that challenge," the Dane said. "It makes you play golf, it's not just about how you're swinging it, you have to find a way and I like that battling mentality.
"I made quite a few nice putts when I needed to, the one at 11 was great because I hadn't played the hole particularly well and to make that putt was very sweet."
After two strong rounds, Kjeldsen is right in the mix to pick up his first major championship and he is looking forward to the weekend.
"I'm very much into it, I couldn't be more into it really," he added. "I keep working hard and focus on what I need to focus on, I can't control the other guys and what they do. I'm just very happy, it's been two excellent days for me and now a little bit of rest and I'll be ready for tomorrow."