Home favourite Tommy Fleetwood sits joint eighth at four-under after a three-under 67, crediting the Birkdale crowd for pushing him into contention. The Southport native, seeking his first major, is joined by Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, England's Matt Wallace and Alex Fitzpatrick, Spain's Jon Rahm, and defending champion Scottie Scheffler. Australian Lucas Herbert leads at eight-under after a record-equalling 62, with Bryson DeChambeau also in the mix despite a controversial two-shot penalty.

Fleetwood, who grew up playing at nearby Formby Hall, said the fans "make a big difference" and helped him through Thursday's struggles. MacIntyre carded a 69 featuring an eagle on the 17th, saying his game "is in a good spot." Meanwhile, Alex Fitzpatrick, 27, backed up his 69 with a 67 to carry family hopes after brother Matt, the world number three, missed the cut.

Veteran Justin Rose, 45, missed the cut in his return to Birkdale where he finished fourth as a 17-year-old in 1998, calling it an "arm-tingling" experience. Americans Jackson Suber, Ryan Gerard, and Cameron Young share sixth at six-under, while Sam Burns matched Herbert's 62 to reach five-under. Scheffler remains confident: "If I continue to strike it like I did... I'll be in a good spot."