Bernhard Langer may have surrendered the lead in The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, but the German insists that he is very happy at heading into the weekend in a share of second place at Turnberry.
The former World Number One and two-time Masters Champion had not teed off in his second round by the time American Gary Hallberg had posted a majestic 63 to join him on six under par for the Championship.
And with the blustery conditions only worsening for the afternoon groups, Langer knew he would face a battle to remain in pole position to reclaim the title he won at Carnoustie in 2010.
The 2002 Ryder Cup Captain began with back-to-back birdies, but a lost ball on the unlucky 13thhole contributed to his struggles and he eventually posted a three over par 73, to finish on three under par 137.
That left him level with another former World Number One, Tom Lehman, three shots adrift of Hallberg, but he was happy to remain in contention following a challenging day.
“I had a great start but then it wasn't so great,” admitted Langer. “The conditions were extremely tough. I had a lost ball and I had an unplayable ball and I had lots of stuff happening on the back side. It wasn't maybe my best but in the end I have to take it and move on.
“I started with two birdies and made some wonderful putts and played okay for the most part and then I hit a couple of bad shots coming home, and paid the price. If you take the average score, it's five to seven over par.
“It's extremely difficult, with a lot of crosswinds and very strong winds. It's one thing to play in ten to 15 miles an hour, but when it's 20 gusting to 30 as it is out here and with all of the trouble there is, it's tough.
“I'm in second place though and if you had told me I was going to be in second place at the half way stage I guess I would have taken that.”
Langer also paid tribute to the superb round constructed by Hallberg earlier in the day, which included eight birdies in 13 holes as the 54 year old jumped 48 places up the leaderboard.
“I think that's the round of the year,” said Langer. “When I heard that before I started I said, well, that's seven under today, that's like ten or 11‑under on a normal, decent day. That's how good it was. My hat's off to him. He played some incredible golf.”
