The South African, who claimed the Claret Jug in 2010, continued his stunning form at majors in 2021 with a 65 on Friday, with 129 the lowest total after two rounds at this event.
Tournament debutant Collin Morikawa, who had earlier carded a 64 at a sun-drenched Royal St George’s, is Oosthuizen’s closest rival on nine under, with 2017 winner Jordan Spieth one stroke further back.
Oosthuizen finished in a tie for second at the US PGA Championship in May and was outright runner-up at the U.S. Open the following month.
He faces stiff competition from a chasing pack that also includes world number one Dustin Johnson following his 65 to move seven under, while Brooks Koepka is on five under.
Favourable weather on the Kent coast meant the course was set fair for low scoring and 2020 US PGA Championship winner Morikawa took full advantage.
His round included a run of five birdies in seven holes before a bogey at the 15th – the tricky par four playing at an average of 4.4 – halted his progress.
Oosthuizen did not go out until the afternoon but quickly made his intentions clear with a birdie at the first, though the highlight of his round was an eagle three at the 14th.
Reigning champion Shane Lowry also enjoyed a fine day as he shot 65, while pre-tournament favourite Jon Rahm went one better to keep his slim hopes alive.
Rory McIlroy birdied the last to ease any lingering fears of missing the cut, while 2018 champion Francesco Molinari did not make the weekend after a 74 that included a quadruple-bogey seven at the sixth, where he took three shots to get out of a bunker.
SHOT OF THE DAY
There was joy for Englishman Jonathan Thomson as he hit the first ace at the 16th en route to a 67.
CHIPPING IN
Rory McIlroy: “I felt a little nervous going to that 18th tee. I knew I needed a par at least, but birdie to at least be comfortable.”
Jonathan Thomson: “The hole-in-one was obviously awesome. It was a real confidence booster after what had been up until that point a real grind.”
A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME…
– Jordan Spieth’s halfway score of 132 is the American’s second lowest at a major.
– Emiliano Grillo shot a 64, which was six strokes better than his opening round.
– Phil Mickelson improved on his opening effort by eight strokes, but still missed the cut at 12 over.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
