US Open: Rickie Fowler maintains lead at halfway stage

Rickie Fowler was an unused alternate for last year’s US Open.

This time around, he’s leading the championship at the halfway stage – and in formidable, record-breaking fashion, too.

The 34-year-old followed his scintillating 62 on day one with a hard-earned 68 to establish a one-shot advantage over fellow American Wyndham Clark after 36 holes at the Los Angeles Country Club.

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Rory McIlroy is a further shot adrift on eight-under alongside Olympic gold medallist Xander Schauffele, with Ryder Cup star Harris English lurking on seven-under.

Dustin Johnson, Min Woo Lee and Xander Schauffele are also well placed heading in to the weekend at the third men’s major of the year.

However, the week – to this point, at least – has belonged to Fowler.

The world No.45, who has rebuilt his game under the watchful eye of the great Butch Harmon, has birdied 18 of his 36 holes – the most through two rounds in US Open history.

His 36-hole total score of 130 also ties Martin Kaymer in 2014 for the lowest in championship history, all this after he became just the 13th player in the history of the event to reach 11-under at any point – a feat he took just 21 holes to achieve.

Justifiably, he’s excited about what the next 48 hours could have in store.

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“I’m looking forward to the weekend,” admitted Fowler. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt this good in a tournament, let alone a major. It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m definitely looking forward to it.

“I’m in the lead, but we’re only halfway there. Being in the lead is nice, but it really means nothing right now.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to challenge myself and go out there and try and execute the best I can. Like I said, a lead right now doesn’t really mean anything. It’s about being in a good position after the first two days, obviously making the cut, having a tee time on Saturday. But we’re in a great position.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor