G-MAC: THIS EVENT’S THERE TO BE WON

Rahm and Rory Mcilroy also lurking on one-under, Mcdowell, who is level after shooting a second round 73, said: “There are no runaway leaders and it’s exciting.

“I really do believe there’s a low score out there. There’s a 63 or 64. If someone can put it all together, you can make a huge move. It makes for an intriguing weekend.”

First round leader New Zealander Fox, who shot a second round 69 to stay at the leaderboard summit alongside Pavon and Van Rooyen, said: “Seven or eight under isn’t going to win this tournament. You have to get to double digits.”

South African Van Rooyen shot eight birdies and just one bogey to card a 7-under round of 65 – the lowest of the week so far.

The World No163, who sank five birdies in the opening nine holes, said: “I was straight out of the blocks and I’m a happy man. I love links golf and it’s exciting.”

World N.5 Rahm (left), who revived his hopes with a second round 69, said: “The scores aren’t as low as of people would have predicted.”