Xander Schauffele, seeking 2nd straight win, has 2-shot lead at Scottish Open

NORTH BERWICK (Scotland) Xander SchauffeleHe played all the right shots and made all the important putts up until the last two holes Saturday at the Scottish Open. Then, he felt that he had no choice but to settle for a two shot lead.

Schauffele was just starting to pull away, but he closed with a pair at The Renaissance Club bogeys that made it difficult for him to appreciate a stellar round. He tied the low score for the windy day with 4-under 66.

He then headed straight to the range.

Schauffele said, I had pretty well everything going. I was judging bounces well, making the putts that I needed to and getting up and down when it was missed the green. Six birdies to 16. No complaints. It was a tough finish.

Schauffele was two ahead of the rest at 7-under203 Rafa Cabrera BelloSpain, who scored a 67 and raised his hopes of getting one among three spots at the British Open next Wednesday at St. Andrews.

Jordan SpiethSpieth had two eagles on his back nine, one with a lob shot from just over 100 meters on the 15th hole. His 66 put him right in contention. Spieth was three shots back in a group that also included fellow Texan. Ryan Palmer.

Cameron TringaleHe has been sliding since opening with a 61 in relatively calm conditions along the Firth Of Forth. He went from a three shot lead to a five shot deficit. Tringale had an 18-foot eagle on the third and nothing but pars, bogeys all the way for a score of 74.

Schauffele was resentful for not having a PGA Tour title since the beginning of 2019. He did win an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo last summer and he partnered up with Patrick CantlayTo win the PGA Tours New Orleans team event.

The 28-year-old Californian is starting to feel his stride. He just won the Travelers Championship two weeks ago and is now looking forward to the final major of the season on the Old Course at St. Andrews.

You can see players doing it all the way. Schauffele said that once you get in the groove of things, you can see certain shots and see certain putts going in. Players always have good stretching and Im trying my best to make this one of mine.

He was leading by as much as four shots when he pulled his tee shot onto the par-3 17th. It rolled down a hill and off the green. He missed a par putt of 10-foot on the final hole, which was a tough one.

Schauffele was able to see the bigger picture. When his tee shot went right towards native grass, Schauffele thought he was in serious trouble. He hit another one, fearing that it might be lost. He ended up making birdie after locating the original shot.

I hit a provisoal tee ball on 11, and made birdie. He said, That doesnt happen too often.

Cabrera Bello, a former Ryder Cup player from Spain, has dropped to No. 159th in the world is aware that three players not exempt from the British Open will win a trip for three to St. Andrews. Schauffele is not far from him, so he can think about winning, something that he had done only once over the last five years.

Cabrera Bello began the back nine eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie that turned his fortunes and put him in the final group Sunday.

Palmer is also able to contend and get at least to St. Andrews. It was worth the trip to Scotland to try and get into the British Open.

Palmer stated that although it has not been a great, Palmer acknowledged that if he played well and gave himself a chance of getting one of the three spots. So, Ive done that. Im here. And you know what? Im going out to win this tournament of golf.

If Schauffele falters, its crowded at top. Palmer joined Spieth at 4-under 206. Jordan SmithEngland, with U.S. Open champion Matt FitzpatrickIn the group five left.

For the three British Open spots: Rickie FowlerAfter a wild finish, he remained in the range. He made a double bogey at the 14th hole, but he birdied-eagled the remaining holes. He finished with a score of 71. He was six shots back.