Marc Warren has home fans buzzing at Open Championship

The 34-year-old was cheered on by rows of home fans alongside the Old Course fairways, as he turned in a round that included five birdies against two bogeys, to follow a first round of 68.

He now lies tied for second with American Zach Johnson, two shots behind clubhouse leader Danny Willett of England with overnight leader Dustin Johnson of the United States yet to begin his second round.

The early morning rain delay played into his hands when organisers suspended play for over three hours following torrential rains that waterlogged many sections of the fabled Fife layout.

“It was a long morning, obviously, with the delay. But definitely worked in our favour. It was going to be a tough morning if you had to go out and play in those conditions,” said Warren about the heavy rain and wind that engulfed the Scottish east coast.

“The crowds were incredible today. Big difference to yesterday. I don’t know if that was the difference when we teed off or just in attendance, but every hole seemed to be lined and a lot of great support out there.

Warren, who once lost his European Tour playing card, is now well established amongst the world’s top golfers and won the last of his two EPGA titles in 2014 at the Made in Denmark event.

The Glasgow resident is bidding to become the first Scottish player since Paul Lawrie, in 1999 at Carnoustie, to win the Open, and first Scot to win at St Andrews since James Braid in 1910.