Ranking Open Championship contenders with best chance of catching Scottie Scheffler

Fitzpatrick made eight birdies in the second round during his 5-under 66, so it's clear he can go low at Royal Portrush. He also edged out Scheffler by one shot to win the 2022 U.S. Open, which should give him the confidence to go toe-to-toe with the World No. 1 down the stretch.

2. Brian Harman (-8)

Harman fired a 6-under 65 in the second round to take the outright lead for a while, but Scheffler ruined the fun with his exceptional 64. Still, Harman should feel confident about his chances, considering he ranks second in the field in strokes gained from tee to green and first in approach shots inside 20 feet. 

Surprisingly, Harman ranks only 42nd in true strokes gained from putting through two rounds. If he stays hot with his irons and heats up with the putter, the 2023 Open champion could make a run at Scheffler. 

3. Tyrrell Hatton (-5)

Hatton probably feels as if he should be higher up on the leaderboard after two rounds. The fiery Englishman ranks 115th in the field in strokes gained from around the greens, which is normally a strength of his, and he failed to birdie all three par 5s on Friday.

Hatton is striking the ball extremely well and has been one of the best putters in the field through two rounds. Making up a five-shot deficit is a tough ask against the best player in the world, but a player like Hatton, who can get scorching hot with the putter, at least has a shot. 

4. Harris English (-5)

Iron play has been the biggest indicator of success at Royal Portrush through two rounds, and English is checking that box so far. The 35-year-old ranks third in the field in true strokes gained on approach. English should be lower than -5, but he's hit only 13-of-28 fairways and ranks 78th in strokes gained from around the greens.

If English can clean up his driving accuracy on the weekend, he'll be able to fire at pins and get hot with the putter. If he can channel his final-round 65 at the PGA Championship that gave him a T2 finish, English could make a run at the Claret Jug.