Libby's Johnston makes charge at British Open

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Libby native Ryggs Johnston charged up the leaderboard with a five-under par 66 in the second round of the 153rd British Open at Royal Portrush.

After opening the tournament with a first round 74, Johnston sank seven birdies Friday to move up 80 positions and into a tie for 17th and make the cut which finished at one over. 

In a day that featured changing conditions throughout, Johnston opened with four birdies on the front nine, but bogeys at No. 4 and No. 9 saw Johnston go out in 34. A bogey-free back nine paired with three more birdies helped him in with a 32. 

Only four golfers shot better rounds than Johnston; leader Scottie Scheffler finished with a 64 to get to 10 under. Brian Harmon, Chris Gotterup and Bryson Dechambeau all shot 65. 

This is Johnston’s first major championship appearance in his first season on the DP World Tour — formerly the European Tour. He secured his entry by winning the Australian Open on Dec. 1, 2024. 

Johnston is paired with defending British Open champion Xander Schauffele on Saturday, the two tee off at 6:40 a.m. MT. Coverage of the tournament can be found on NBC.