Noren shoots 66, leads by 1 at Scottish Open

Sweden's Alex Noren acknowledges the fans after his birdie on the 8th hole gave him the outright lead, during day two of the 2016 AAM Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, Scotland, Friday July 8, 2016. (Kenny Smith / PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

Sweden's Alex Noren acknowledges the fans after his birdie on the 8th hole gave him the outright lead, during day two of the 2016 AAM Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, Scotland, Friday July 8, 2016. (Kenny Smith / PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

Alex Noren of Sweden took advantage of calmer conditions to shoot a 6-under 66 and take a one-stroke lead at the Scottish Open, on a day of lower scoring in the second round Friday.

Danny Lee of New Zealand (66) and Eddie Pepperell of England (67) were a shot behind Noren, who had an 8-under 136 total at Castle Stuart.

Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson, two of the top names in the field, made the cut after shooting rounds of 69 but were nine shots off the lead.

Matteo Manassero and Branden Grace (both 67) were in a four-way tie for fourth on 6-under overall.

Winds were lighter after a blustery first round over the links in northern Scotland. The British Open is staged in Western Scotland next week.