Spieth expecting to battle pot bunkers and Mother Nature
By DOUG FERGUSON, Associated Press
Jul 21, 2017 2:00 AM CDT
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd after his birdie on the 18th hole on the first day of the British Open Golf Championship, at Royal Birkdale, Southport, England Thursday, July 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)   (Associated Press)

SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — Jordan Spieth rated his opening 5-under 65 at the British Open as one of the top five or six rounds he has ever played in a major. Most of that had to do with the shots he hit. And some of it had to do with timing.

The last thing he wanted to do was try to make up ground in bad weather.

The second round began Friday with a gray sky, cool air, ample wind and a gloomy outlook. The forecast was for occasional showers, slightly heavier in the afternoon, and wind, slightly stronger in the afternoon.

Spieth and Brooks Koepka (65) were to play in the afternoon. Sharing the 18-hole lead was Matt Kuchar, who teed off Friday morning at Royal Birkdale.

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