The Open 2019: Lee Westwood & Tommy Fleetwood move into contention at Royal Portrush - (2022)

Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood led the English charge on day two of the 148th Open at Royal Portrush as the world's best players bunched up behind clubhouse leader JB Holmes.

Both Englishmen shot four-under-par 67s and are one stroke adrift of the American who is in the clubhouse on eight under after a 68.

England's world number four Justin Rose is also in the hunt on six under.

World number one Brooks Koepka and 2017 winner Jordan Spieth are a shot behind.

Fleetwood said 2019 has the “potential to be great” for him.

“I felt like I was a lot more stress-free,” said the 28-year-old, whose last win was in Abu Dhabi in January 2018. “I made two or three good par-saves, but I enjoy the challenge,” he said.

“It seemed like a much more scoreable morning, but the course doesn't allow for many birdies so you have to be patient.

“My major performances haven't been as good as the previous year. It's been a quieter year, but with the potential to be great – I've been up there two or three times on the PGA Tour and not won.”

With the projected cut at one over, three-time champion Tiger Woods will miss the weekend for the third time in 21 attempts after finishing his second round on six over.

The 43-year-old American, whose Masters victory in April earned him a 15th major, followed up his disappointing 78 with a much improved 70. Woods, who has endured several back operations, complained of feeling discomfort on Thursday.

Former champions Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy are also unlikely to make the cut after shooting high scores on the opening day.

Northern Ireland's McIlroy recorded a 79 in front of his home crowd, which included a quadruple bogey and a triple bogey, and begins his second round at 15:10 BST.