Rory McIlroy produced a sensational run to storm into contention at the 123rd US Open in Los Angeles.
Six birdies in his last nine holes moved McIlroy to eight under and a shot behind clubhouse leader Wyndham Clark.
Defending champion Matthew Fitzpatrick had a hole-in-one while Dustin Johnson hit back from a quadruple bogey on the second to post a 70 and end six under.
Overnight leaders Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele resume on eight under and are among the later starters.
Many expected tournament organisers to toughen up the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club after a day of record scoring on Friday, but there were still plenty of birdies to be had and a remarkable third hole-in-one of the tournament.
McIlroy mounts back-nine response
Teeing off on the 10th, things did not go McIlroy’s way in his first nine holes and he was in danger of sliding out of contention with three bogeys and a solitary birdie, but the response was emphatic.
Six birdies followed, four in his last five holes including coming within inches of making a hole-in-one at the par-three ninth, in contrast to his bogey finish in the first round.
“It was a great way to finish the round,” McIlroy told NBC after his round. “A reversal of yesterday, making that bogey at the last, so it was nice to finish the round off properly and put myself right into the mix going into the weekend.”
Like McIlroy, Dustin Johnson is also in contention for a second US Open title despite a nightmare start by taking eight on the par-four second. The American fought hard to deliver a level-par round and show his title credentials.
“Making a quad on number two definitely didn’t get the day started off how I envisioned it,” said Johnson.
“But to battle back and still be right in the mix going into the weekend, I’m definitely proud of the way I came back and finished off the round.”
More to follow.
