British Open Leaderboard 2017: Friday Score Updates and Tournament Predictions

Jordan Spieth put on a masterclass on the opening day of the 2017 British Open to share the lead with Brooks Koepka and Matt Kuchar on five under at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.

The American was at the height of his powers as he produced a vintage display with his approach play.

However, the field remains tight at the top of the leaderboard and new contenders could emerge with inclement weather forecast for Friday.

Here is the latest leaderboard on Day 2:

Predictions 

After a blistering start to his Open Championship charge, the focus will remain on Spieth and the maintenance of his form.

The 23-year-old found birdies where others refused to attack, and it will be intriguing to see how much better he can play if the conditions favour him.

Koepka and Kuchar are high-calibre players, but Paul Casey and Ian Poulter are leading the home charge just behind the lead after the first round.

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Casey has excelled on courses in the United States, but his four-under 66 has placed him in an excellent position.

However, it is the return of Poulter which adds romance to this year's competition, and the Ryder Cup hero rolled back the years to produce world-class consistency on Thursday.

The Englishman has looked sharp around the greens in recent weeks, and he should be a major contender through the weekend.

Rory McIlroy has appeared anything but ready for the championship, and his front nine in the first round was a disaster.

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Five bogeys greeted the first six holes, but the Northern Irishman dug deep to produce a comeback.

McIlroy started at one over on Friday, and he has the depth of character to remain in with a credible chance of climbing the leaderboard.

The 28-year-old could wipe out his deficit on Friday and make a decisive charge on Day 3.

However, few other golfers showed the magic, determination and grit of Spieth on the opening day, and the two-time major winner could have a third in his grasp with a solid second round.

McIlroy appeared pleased with his recovery on Thursday, but Spieth has the form to win the title as he masters the links environment on Merseyside.

Tournament prediction: Spieth to win the British Open