Plenty of Burns’ compatriots are also prominent in the chasing pack.
DeChambeau has managed 10 birdies in his opening two rounds, following five on Thursday with five more on Friday, and at three shots back has the firepower to mount a serious challenge this weekend.
Suber, who shot to prominence with his opening-day 65, started like a man far from overawed with his status as the overnight leader and birdied the 2nd.
Three consecutive bogeys followed as he began to falter but the 26-year-old, still in his first week of links golf, showed admirable character to battle back with four birdies after the turn on his way to a one-under round of 69.
Young and Gerard have been rewarded for consistency so far, with back-to-back rounds of 67 putting the pair within two of the lead. The former, second at St Andrews in 2022, has given himself a chance of going one better.
Scheffler carded a second successive 68 which could have been even better but for some frustration on the greens. He was leading by the halfway stage on his way to lifting the Claret Jug last year and will have to play catch-up this time – and you wouldn’t bet against him doing just that, just four off the lead.
Bud Cauley is alongside the world number one on four-under but Belgium’s Thomas Detry, Italy’s 2018 Champion Francesco Molinari, at the same mark, and South Korea’s Si Woo-Kim, a shot better off after five birdies down a brilliant back nine, ensure there is a worldwide feel to the challengers.
Fleetwood leads home charge
As the shadows grew longer, Fleetwood made his move.
The home favourite was one-under-par stood on the 14th tee and in need of a spark.
A birdie there provided it, and he followed up with two more as the roars grew louder.