McDowell and Jamieson have the edge in Scotland

Graeme McDowell shot a sparkling 64 today to give himself the chance of a second Barclays Scottish Open title in four years.

But last year’s US Open champion had company at the top at Castle Stuart near Inverness – Scotland’s European Tour rookie Scott Jamieson.

The 27-year-old from Glasgow was actually four shots clear at one point, but he double-bogeyed his penultimate hole and had to settle for “only” a 66 and matching 11 under par halfway total.

McDowell was down in joint 30th spot after his opening 69 at the new venue, but an eagle at the long 12th and four birdies enabled him to turn in 33 and further birdies came at the two par fives on the outward half.

Jamieson, with four top six finishes already this year after graduating from the Challenge Tour, eagled the 18th and second – and that after five successive birdies from the 11th.

But he came up short of the green ion the 218-yard eighth, left his chip on the fringe and three-putted.

“That was disappointing, but it’s exciting to be in this position in Scotland and to get my first win here would be fantastic,” he said.

Compatriot Peter Whiteford and Spain’s Jose Manuel Lara were one behind with three to play, with Argentina’s Angel Cabrera and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts nine under after rounds of 64 and 66 respectively.

Justin Rose (67) was eight under, Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els one further back and Phil Mickelson – in danger of missing the cut after his first day 73 - up to four under after an eagle on the second and then two birdies.

Overnight leaders Lee Westwood and Mark Tullo, both of whom started with seven under 65s, were among the afternoon starters.