The Open Round 3 preview: Shane Lowry on top and stars leaving early - ESPN

TROON, Scotland — Stronger winds and firmer conditions made the second round of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club on Friday even more treacherous for the world's best golfers.

So much so that many of the favorites won't be around for the final 36 holes.

«I need to lie down in a dark room,» England's Matthew Southgate, who missed the cut after limping through a 7-over 78 on Friday, said. «It's brutal out there. That's one of the toughest experiences I've had on a golf course. It was crosswinds everywhere and pins on the same side where the wind was coming from. It's just so, so difficult. It was like survival golf really.»

Local knowledge and links golf experience have improved invaluable so far. For the first time since 1951, the top three golfers on the leaderboard at the halfway point are from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Ireland's Shane Lowry, with a 36-hole total of 7-under 135, has a 2-shot lead over England's Justin Rose and Daniel Brown.

Here's what to watch in the third round of The Open:

Lowry was asked Friday if he considers himself a good front-runner.

«I wouldn't say I'm a good runner,» Lowry joked.

It's the fourth 36-hole lead or co-lead of Lowry's PGA Tour career. He was 1-for-3 in closing out previously, winning the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland and finishing third at the 2019 RBC Heritage and the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.

«For me, it's just about going out and playing my own game, shooting the best score I can, and then seeing where it leaves me at the end of the day,» Lowry said. «Try not to worry about what other people are doing and just try to take care of your own personal stuff. I don't know. I put myself there in a few big tournaments,