Royal Liverpool (Hoylake)

The American was five shots clear of nearest challenge and local hero Tommy Fleetwood.

Harman holds a five-shot lead over local favourite Tommy Fleetwood at the halfway stage at Royal Liverpool.

The world number two did not build significantly on his level-par opening round.

Hatton’s exploits down the last proved costly as he found himself 12 shots behind clubhouse leader Brian Harman.

The American sits on 10-under-par at the halfway stage at Royal Liverpool.

American Billy Horschel intervened to help remove one protester who invaded the 17th to throw powdered orange paint on the green

Three protesters were led away by police officers after setting off a flare and throwing orange powder paint.

Harman racked up four successive birdies to charge into the second-round lead.

The R&A instructed greenkeeping staff to build up the edges of the bunkers.

Spain’s Adrian Otaegui was the first contender back out on the course on Friday.

McIlroy lay five shots off the lead after day one.

The Northern Irishman was positive despite a frustrating start to his latest quest to reclaim the Claret Jug.

Southport’s Fleetwood moved to the top of the leaderboard in an emotional week for the 32-year-old.

Thomas was in a tie for 154th after the opening round.

The Masters champion sprayed his tee shot at the 12th into the gallery where it struck a man.

Fleetwood led the way alongside South African amateur Christo Lamprecht and Emiliano Grillo on five under par.

Clark’s wayward tee shot on the 14th hole at Royal Liverpool left him in a spot of bother.

South African amateur Christo Lamprecht was alongside Fleetwood at five under.

The 22-year-old posted an impressive five-under 66 on the first day in Hoylake.

The 6ft 8in South African reeled off three birdies in four holes from the third at Royal Liverpool to turn in a three-under 32.