Markus Brier on top at Scotland golf event

FIFE, Scotland, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Markus Brier shot 2-under-par 70 Friday and grabbed a 1-stroke lead midway through the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Fife, Scotland.

Brier's 36-hole total of 8-under 136 is just better than the scores of four players -- Martin Kaymer (72), Soren Hansen (73), Robert Karlsson (70), and 19-year-old Rory McIlroy (69) -- who are tied for second at 137. Another eight golfers were at 6-under 138.

Every player at the tournament plays one round each on St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns courses before the final cut compete for the title on Sunday at St. Andrews. Brier played his second round on the St. Andrews course.

I didn't hit it too much off line," he said. "I kept it in the fairway, the long putts were good (and) I just stayed out of trouble."

Every player at the tournament plays one round each on St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns courses before the final cut compete for the title on Sunday at St. Andrews.

Defending champion Nick Dougherty (71) joined 13 others, including Colin Montgomerie (75) and 2007 runner-up Justin Rose (74) at 1-over 145, good for 59th place.