Dustin Johnson ‘the man to beat’ – Sergio

It won’t be a surprise to hear this, but Dustin Johnson is co-leading the US Open after his second round.

The big-hitting American had an incredible day of ball-striking on Friday – where he played 36 holes thanks to Thursday’s rain delay – hitting 20 of 28 fairways and 31 of 36 green en route to a clubhouse total of four-under-par.

And, after coming so close to his maiden major title at Chambers Bay last year, the 31-year-old was in no mood to speak about whether it was a motivating factor, answering a reporter’s question in typical Dustin Johnson style.

Q: Dustin, last year, does it weigh in your mind in any way? Does it motivate you? Does it have any place in your mind at all?

A: “What happened last year?”

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One man who was full of praise for Johnson’s play was playing partner Sergio Garcia, who himself enjoyed a fine 36 holes and sits two shots behind the American.

“He played awesome,” said Garcia. “I played with him last year the first two rounds. He played awesome. He played awesome all week. He played really, really well today. It’s impressive. He drove the ball great, very far. I don’t think he missed many fairways at all. He’s going to be tough to beat, but I’ll give it a shot.”

Add in Lee Westwood, currently three-under-par after one round, and at the summit of the leaderboard is arguably the three best players of the past 15-20 years not to win a major.

Meanwhile, world No.1 Jason Day faces a battle to make it to the weekend. He’s currently T56 on five-over-par with three holes of his second round remaining after play was halted for the day due to darkness.

Dustin Johnson :: Will he win?

Out of Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, who would you most like to see break their major duck? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.