Luke Donald made light of a change in caddie to shoot a second-round 68 in The Open Championship at Royal Lytham.
World number one shoots 68 to stay in contention at Lytham
Luke Donald made light of a change in caddie to shoot a second-round 68 in The Open Championship at Royal Lytham.
The world No 1 had Robert Karlsson's regular bag man Gareth Lord by his side on Friday after John McLaren received a call that his wife had gone into labour.
Donald worked with Lord when he won the Children's Miracle Network Classic at Disney World in Florida last season and they were immediately back in rhythm with the Englishman reaching halfway at two-under.
"Hopefully all is going well. About 6.30am he came in and I saw he was up a little early so thought it might be time," said Donald.
"She was due on Wednesday so she was trying to hold on as long as possible.
Transition
"I've actually been sharing a house with John and Gareth, and when Robert pulled out he was available so it worked out well and obviously I've got some history with Lordy, having caddied for me at Disney, so it was an easy transition.
"We'll see how long (McLean is absent). We don't know how long these babies take but I told John to not rush.
"For me that was an important thing in my life to be around for that, especially your first one, and enjoy that experience.
"But I know what he's like. He's very passionate about his job, as well, and he'll get back here when he's ready.
"I'm certainly feeling more and more comfortable. It's nice to string a couple of solid rounds together in a major.
"Obviously where I am in my career I need to be contending and this was a good solid two rounds and I'm looking forward to the weekend."
Donald later tweeted that McLean and his wife Helen were new parents to daughter Georgina. It remains to be seen whether McLean will dash back to Lytham to assist his boss's search for a first major title.
