Rickie Fowler reacts toward the crowd after sinking a putt on the 7th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Wyndham Clark tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rory McIlroy tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. McIroy is two strokes off the lead going into the weekend. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Xander Schauffele tees off on the third hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Rickie Fowler tees off on the second hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans look on from a walkway on the fourth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Rickie Fowler tees off on the fifth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler lines up his putt on the 4th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Wyndham Clark hits from the fairway on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Wyndham Clark tees off on the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Wyndham Clark lines up his putt on the 10th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rory McIlroy tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. McIroy is two strokes off the lead going into the weekend. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Harris English drives from the 10th fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler makes his way along the fairway at the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler hits out of the sand onto the green on the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler hits out of the sand onto the green on the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Xander Schauffele hits the ball on the 10th fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Hundreds of fans look on as Rickie Fowler (not pictured) tees off on the 5th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dustin Johnson putts on the 7th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Dustin Johnson waves to fans as he completes the 7th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Rickie Fowler lines up his putt on the 8th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans sit in the grandstands on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Scottie Scheffler watches his tee shot on the fifth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Scottie Scheffler chips to the green on the fourth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Wyndham Clark tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Wyndham Clark lines up his putt on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Wyndham Clark reacts to the crowd after sinking a putt on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler, right, along with Justin Rose and Jason Day make their way to the 4th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Xander Schauffele putts on the 4th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Min Woo Lee watches his tee shot on the second hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Harris English lines up his putt on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Cameron Young putts on the seventh hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Dustin Johnson watches his tee shot on the fifth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Rickie Fowler tees off at the 8th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler tees off at the 8th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Tony Finau putts on the 10th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Tony Finau putts on the 10th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Scottie Scheffler watches his tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Scottie Scheffler watches his tee shot on the second hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Min Woo Lee plays his shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Rickie Fowler hits out of a bunker on the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. Fowler made only four pars during a wild ride of a 2-under 68 that gave him a share of the 36-hole record and a one-shot lead going into the weekend. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler stands on the 8th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler reacts after missing a putt on the 8th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rory McIlroy tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. McIroy is two strokes off the lead going into the weekend. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Xander Schauffele prepares to putt on the fourth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Players Jon Rahm, Viktor Holland, and Xander Schauffele and their caddies walk to the fourth fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Dustin Johnson watches his tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Harris English hits an iron shot from the 10th fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Wyndham Clark, right, flips a golf ball as he waits to tee off at the 11th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler makes his way to the 9th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler tees off on the 7th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Sam Bennett tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Sam Bennett tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Sam Bennett loses his club as he tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler, right, talks with his caddy between shots during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler chips on the 8th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler chips on the 8th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brian Harman tees off on the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brian Harman tees off on the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rory McIlroy plays a second shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy reacts to a second shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy walks the the green on the 15th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phil Mickelson tees off on the 8th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Phil Mickelson awaits his turn to tee off on the 8th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Wyndham Clark tees off at the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Hundreds of fans look on as Rickie Fowler (not pictured) putts on the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Tony Finau hits a shot from the 10th fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Tony Finau lines up his shot on the 10th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Tom Kim reacts on the 7th green after missing a short putt during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Stewart Cink and Lisa Cink, his caddie, wait his turn to putt on the seventh hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Rickie Fowler reacts after a putt on the 8th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Viktor Hovland tees off on the third hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Viktor Hovland waits to putt on the second green as fans look on during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Viktor Hovland waves to the crowd after sinking a putt on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Jon Rahm tees off on the third hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
A couple sits in the shade on the fifth hole fairway and watches players during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Andrew Putnam putts on the 7th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Sahith Theegala tees off on the 8th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Sahith Theegala reacts after sinking a putt for birdie on the 7th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Rory McIlroy waits on the 11th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
A tournament volunteer yawns as he waits at the 7th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Patrick Cantlay putts on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Patrick Cantlay tosses a golf ball to a fan while making his way to the tee at the 11th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Nicholas McCloskey, a 10-year-old from Los Angeles, reacts after golfer Patrick Cantlay tossed him a golf ball during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Golfers make their way along the fairway at the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brooks Koepka tees off on the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brooks Koepka tees off on the 12th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brooks Koepka lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Brooks Koepka greetes Rory McIlroy after their second round at the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Justin Rose of England tees off on the fifth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Xander Schauffele waves after his putt on the 12th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Bryan Chamber tees off on the eighth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Patrick Cantlay hits an iron shot from the 10th fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Bryson DeChambeau lines up his putt on the first green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Justin Rose of England tees off on the seventh hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Just Rose of England reacts after his eagle on the eighth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Just Rose of England reacts after making eagle on the eighth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Police officers look on as golfers play the eighth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Jason Day of Australia his out of a bunker on the eighth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Jason Day of Australia looks over his shot on the fairway of the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Jordan Spieth putts on the 10th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans look on as Jordan Spieth (not pictured) prepares to putt on the 10th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Scottie Scheffler plays his shot from the seventh tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Justin Rose of England tees off on the second hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dustin Johnson hits from the fairway on the sixth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Wyndham Clark walks on the 18th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Xander Schauffele plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Harris English finishes on the ninth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Denny McCarthy plays his shot from the tenth tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Fans watch on the 10th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Dylan Wu plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Rickie Fowler follows through on a chip shot on the 8th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler tees off at the fifth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans watch along the 7th fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Rickie Fowler lines up his putt on the 7th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brian Harman plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Jon Rahm celebrates after a birdie on the first hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Phil Mickelson hits from the fairway on the third hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Wyndham Clark walks on the 11th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Si Woo Kim tees off on the second hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Hundreds of fans look on during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Gary Woodland plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Cameron Smith hits from the fairway on the 14th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Charley Hoffman hits his tee shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Hundreds of fan look toward the seventh green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Ryutaro Nagano plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Cameron Smith chips to the green on the 11th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Tony Finau hits from the bunker on the 18th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Gordon Sargent hits from the bunker on the 18th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Justin Suh plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jordan Spieth hits from the bunker on the 12th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Patrick Cantlay putts on the fourth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Dylan Wu hits from the bunker on the 17th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Rickie Fowler reacts after missing a putt on the 7th green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler putts on the fourth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Rory McIlroy plays a shot on the first hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Rickie Fowler makes his way from the first green to the second hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Min Woo Lee plays his shot from the seventh tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Golfers make their way along the 10th fairway during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Charley Hoffman prepares to play his shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Xander Schauffele plays his shot from the seventh tee during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Stewart Cink gives a fan a high five on the seventh hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Rickie Fowler tees off on the fifth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler tees off on the 7th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Rickie Fowler walks on the 15th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Rickie Fowler makes his way along the bridge from the ninth hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Golfers walk on the third hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Matt Kuchar chips to the green on the 16th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday, June 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
A fan waits to pursue autographs on a marker flag during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open on Friday at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — As part of his preparation for this week’s U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy went on YouTube and looked back at his 2014 British Open win at Hoylake.
As he watched McIlroy said he couldn’t believe many irons and 3-woods he hit off the tee in winning that tournament and it reminded him that part of his success has been his ability to play smart, knowing when to press and when to play safe and not be too aggressive when it’s not needed.
“I’ve gone through periods over the last few years where I haven’t been patient enough and I’ve taken on too much,” McIlroy said after shooting a 3-under-par 67 in the second round on Friday. “But I think we’ve had some tests recently where you have to display patience, and hopefully those few experiences recently will help me this weekend.”
McIlroy figures to need plenty of patience over the next two days if he hopes to be the one hoisting the trophy on Sunday. Sitting at 8 under through 36 holes, McIlroy finds himself in a great position, just two strokes behind Rickie Fowler. The Murrieta native backed up his record-setting first-round 62 with a 2-under 68 on Friday, leaving him alone atop the leaderboard at 10-under 130. Sitting between Fowler and McIlroy is Wyndham Clark who posted a 3-under 67 on Friday to leave him at 9 under. First-round co-leader Xander Schauffele posted an even-par 70, leaving him tied for third with McIlroy.
Not to be overlooked was Dustin Johnson, the two-time major champion who made a quadruple-bogey 8 on his second hole with six bad shots, one penalty and a tap-in. The man with golf’s shortest memory rebounded quickly and still shot 70, leaving him four shots behind and very much in the mix going into the weekend.
Through the first two days, McIlroy has done the majority of his damage on the front nine. McIlroy is 10 under on the front nine through 36 holes and 2 over on the back nine.
“The front nine gives you some scoring opportunities and some wedges in your hand, a couple of par-5s, (driveable) sixth hole,” McIlroy said. “Yeah, the back nine is just a lot tougher. Those last three holes, 16, 17, 18, are playing tough even if it is pretty benign conditions out there. It feels like a sort of golf course where you try to make your score on the front and then try to hang on on the back.”
This is the first major of the year in which McIlroy has played well enough over the first two days to give himself a legitimate chance to chase down the title over the final 36 holes. Among those at or near the top of the leaderboard, McIlroy has by far the strongest championship pedigree. This is the sixth time he has been 8 under or lower going into the weekend at a major, and he won three of those previous five. He believes that experience will be crucial for him over the coming days.
“Every major championship and every venue is different. You just have to play what the course gives you,” McIlroy said. “I feel like I’m hitting the ball well. I’ve hit it well off the tee. I felt like coming into this week that was going to be a key for me – if I could put the ball in play. You can play from there and create some scoring opportunities. That’s really my game plan over the next couple days. Put the ball in play off the tee, and I think I’ll be just fine from there.”
While McIlroy is trying to regain his major magic, the 29-year-old Clark is looking to break through for his first major. Earlier this year, the former University of Oregon standout broke through for his maiden PGA Tour title with a four-stroke victory over Schauffele and an elite field at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, N.C. The win moved the Colorado native inside the top 60 of the Official World Golf Ranking and earned him a third U.S. Open start.
Despite being a highly decorated amateur player, Clark hasn’t had great success since turning pro, so before the start of this season he made some significant changes that he believes have had a positive effect on his performance.
His first change was to his equipment, where he made an adjustment to the lie angles of his clubs. He adjusted his irons 3 degrees upright from being relatively flat to more upright and since has struck the ball more consistently.
But the biggest change was to take ownership of his golf swing, basically becoming his own swing coach with a little assistance from his caddie.
“Myself and my caddie pretty much monitor my golf swing,” Clark said. “I don’t have a swing coach. That’s helped me own my swing and own my game. And so, when I’m out there, if it doesn’t feel right, I at least know what to do. I think in the past I was too reliant on someone telling me what to do that I didn’t own it. So, I would just say those are probably the three main differences.”
The formula has worked well through the first two rounds this week, with Clark having posted rounds of 64-67, earning him a spot in the final group on Saturday. Part of his preparation was to play a practice round with longtime friend P.J. Fielding, who is a member at LACC.
Fielding and Clark have played several pro-scratch tournaments together and when Clark comes to Los Angeles they hang out. Clark asked him if he would caddie for him during a practice round and he agreed to share his insights on the course.
“He had some really good insights on putts and speeds of putts and also how the fairways when they get really firm, they do this and you’ve got to be here and lines off the tee,” Clark said. “That 18 holes was the equivalent of probably playing 27 to 36 because I was able to – he was telling me how certain putts – how they break, how this one is faster than this, this plays this way. If you’re here, you want to go – he was spot on. So, when I left that practice round on Tuesday, I felt like I could have come here and not even played a practice round. I felt like it was that in-depth.”
Before each round, Clark gives himself three mini-goals to help keep himself a little more focused. He said his first goal was to enjoy playing at a beautiful golf course.
“Second was to be cocky out there and third was remind myself of the first two,” Clark said. “Those were honestly my three goals, and I thought if I could do that and keep myself in the best mindset, that the golf would take care of itself.”
He said the up and down he made on 14 helped him accomplish his goal of feeling cocky because it was a tough shot, and it allowed him to make birdie.
“As the front nine, I started leaking a little bit of oil and was grinding to make pars and even made a bogey,” he said. “I kept reminding myself, hey, let’s get back to that cocky player, and I hit a great shot on six. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the putt. Then a really good up and down on seven and a birdie on eight, so I kind of brought that cockiness back.”
It’s been nine years since McIlroy won his last major. It’s a statistic that no one needs to remind him of. The 34-year-old from Northern Ireland is more than aware of his ongoing title drought.
“No one wants me to win another major more than I do,” McIlroy said. “The desire is obviously there. I’ve been trying and I’ve come close over the past nine years or whatever it is, and I keep coming back. I feel like I’ve showed a lot of resilience in my career, a lot of ups and downs, and I keep coming back. And whether that means that I get rewarded or I get punched in the gut or whatever it is, I’ll always keep coming back.”
McIlroy didn’t envision such low scoring, including his opening 65, which he attributed to cloud cover, condensation and receptive greens.
“The conditions now, it’s a little brighter, sunnier, a little bit of breeze. It’s got the potential to get a little firmer and faster over the next couple days, which will make the scores go up a little bit,” McIlroy said. “We’ll see what it’s like at the end of the week.
“Yes, the course has played maybe a little easier than everyone thought it would, but wouldn’t be surprised on Saturday, Sunday to see it bite back,” McIlroy said. “It should be tough. It should be just as much of a mental grind out there as a physical one.”
Harris English also shot 30 on the front nine to finish off his 66, leaving him at 7-under 133.
“They can get them as firm and fast as they want and put those pins in some tough spots. It’s going to be fun,” English said. “The rough is still going to be penal. I think everybody is going to get the U.S. Open they’ve been wanting to see.”
The low round Friday belonged to Min Woo Lee, whose 65 left him tied with Johnson at 6-under 134.
