American fans will have mixed emotions at the half way mark. As has often been the way at recent majors, some of the old guard have rolled back the years and Fred Couples produced a faultless round of 66, showing how one round can completely change things as he leapt from 1 over to -5 under and joint leader with compatriot Jason Dufner. The real crowd favourites of Woods and Mickelson had contrasting 2nd days, whilst Woods struggled and his frustration was clear for all to see, Mickelson was back somewhere near his best with a 4 under 68 and now sits ominously just 2 shots behind the leaders. Its not over for Woods as he's capable of making up his 8 shot deficit but he'll need to play some remarkable golf to give himself a chance.
Both McIlroy and Westwood made sure they stayed well in contention, both at -4 under and a shot off the lead. McIlroy produced 6 birdies in a display of attacking golf but may well be disappointed with his bogey count of 3, after his round admitting he was right where he wanted to be. Having been 4 shots clear going into the final round last year maybe he'll enjoy being a member of the chasing pack instead now. Westwood had looked solid all day but suffered from Stenson's curse of the 18th hole, where he notched up a double bogey to tie for 3rd where he was looking at a 1 shot lead before. I like to think Westwood and Stenson will have had a sit down together in the clubhouse over a cold drink to discuss their gameplan for the 18th over the next couple of days, you never know. Meanwhile, other Brits Poulter, Harrington and Rose are all sitting and level par and very much still in it given a couple of good rounds over the weekend.
With no one yet to emerge with any breathing space at the top maybe we'll be in for a dramatic 6 way-off that some pundits were crossing their fingers for, come on the Brits!
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