Snedeker surges into lead at British Open - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England (AP) -- Brandt Snedeker has surged to a big lead at the British Open with a record-tying performance over the first two days.

The 31-year-old American, who had never even made the cut in golf's oldest major, turned in another bogey-free round with a 6-under 64 Friday that equaled Nick Faldo for the lowest 36-hole score in Open history.

Faldo posted a 130 total at Muirfield in 1992 on the way to the last of his three British titles. Snedeker matched him with a 10-under showing over the first two days, and can only hope that come Sunday he'll be in the same position Faldo was two decades ago -- holding the claret jug.

When Snedeker walked off the course, he had a four-stroke lead on first-round leader Adam Scott.

Edgerton native Steve Stricker finished round two +1, bringing him to 2-under par on the tournament, tied for 10th place.