Lee Westwood put himself in prime position on Friday to mount a challenge for his first major title in the British Open at the weekend.

The 36-year-old Englishman carded a patient second round of par 70 on an Ailsa course turned nasty due to bad weather and devilish pin placings.

That left him on two-under for the tournament, three behind joint leaders Tom Watson and Steve Marino of the United States and shouldering the British challenge for a first home winner of the Open since Paul Lawrie a decade ago alongside compatriot Ross Fisher.

Westwood, who came close at the US Open last year in California, said that patience was the key to winning at Turnberry.

"Just to keep playing the patient golf like I'm playing," he said. "I've got myself into a good position. It would seem a shame to ruin it now.

"It was very much a day for patience and grinding out the pars and not missing them on the wrong side and picking up the odd shot whenever you could, and I knew 70 at the end of the day and two under wasn't going to be too far out of position."

Fisher's challenge is complicated by the fact that he may have to abandon his campaign if his wife goes into labour with the couple's first child.

He carded a fine two-under 68 to go with his opening 67 and that left him at three-under for the tournament and leading the British challenge.

Fisher, who placed fifth at the US Open on Long Island last month, has been aware of the potential clash between his professional and personal lives for some time and he has made it clear what is his priority.

"I'd love to play for all four days, but obviously my wife comes first," he said. "If she were to go into labour later on this evening or tomorrow, I've got no choice.

"I want to be there. It's going to be a great experience and one that I don't want to miss.

"As soon as I've finished on the golf course, golf is out of the window and I'll be straight on the phone to Jo seeing how she is."

At least Fisher had the choice of playing or not.

Compatriot Ian Poulter, who many fancied for Turnberry following his runner-up finish last year, was on his way home after a disastrous 79 that left him propping up the scoreboard at 14 over par.

"I'm going out there trying to win the golk tournament and I don't find the middle of the club face for two days," he said.

"I was playing great golf coming into the week, feeling good and loving the golf course.

"I could have had a set of spades in my bag this week and I still wouldn't have found the middle of the greens.

"You can but laugh."

AFP

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