McIlroy, Johnson within range at US Open

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy recovered late to keep himself in contention at the US Open as he looks to win his first Major since 2014.

Rickie Fowler continued to keep himself in front at the US Open thanks to 18 birdies in 36 holes heading into the weekend’s action.

Fowler has been in good form this season and that took a new level as he helped himself to eight birdies in his second round. It moved Fowler to 10 under and a one-shot lead over Wyndham Clark, with McIlroy just a shot further back in third alongside Xander Schauffele.

ALSO READ: LIV Golf players in the dark

McIlroy chasing first win since 2014

Teeing off on the 10th in the early wave, 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.

ALSO READ | 2023 US Open golf: Why so few South Africans?

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.

ALSO READ | PGA Tour golfer tackled to the ground cheering friend’s win

“It was a great way to finish the round,” McIlroy told NBC. “It was nice to finish the round off properly and put myself right into the mix going into the weekend.”

Johnson hangs tough

Like McIlroy, Dustin Johnson is also in contention for a second US Open title, despite a nightmare start when he took 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.”

MUST READ | South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai wins LPGA’s ShopRite event

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY WADE PRETORIUS