Craig Stadler moves clear with a 68

American Craig Stadler shot the first sub-par round of the Senior British Open - a three-under-under par 68 - to open up a two-stroke lead on the second day at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club's Balgownie links.

Although the impression gained from the scoreboard was that conditions were easier than the windswept first day, the 52-year-old Stadler - affectionately known as 'The Walrus' - maintained the playing conditions had been just as tough.

"I hit the ball much the same as I did in the first round. The difference for me was that I didn't make the same mistakes as I did yesterday.

"I had a couple of good sand saves at the last couple of holes," said Stadler who was "player of the year" on the American over-50s circuit last year.

"I'm not playing great but I'm not playing badly either. Nothing spectacular. Just solid. What I do need to improve is my play at the short holes.

"I got away with a birdie and three pars today but I struggled to get the pars.

"But I'm learning every time I go out to play on this golf course. You've got to keep your wits about you."

Playing partner Des Smith, also a successful competitor on the US Champions Tour, lost a bit of ground with a 72 for 145 although a birdie-eagle start had catapulted him into the early lead.

Smyth dropped four shots to par from the 14th, which he double bogeyed after driving into the ditch that runs across the fairway. Then he pulled his tee shot at the next to drop another one.

At the last, which cost him a double-bogey six and the overnight lead yesterday, Smyth had a bogey five with a bunker visit. Out in two-under 34, Smyth required 38 (three over par) for the inward half.

He said: "I think anyone - even Tiger Woods - would struggle in the wind we've had and the fact that this is a much tighter links than say the Old Course, St Andrews.

"I've had three double bogeys, an eagle and a heap of birdies over the two days but I've also had my share of my bogeys - but I'm not complaining. That's what links golf is all about.

"Balgownie is a tough golf course and that's the bottom line."

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