Rickie Fowler hits US Open two-round record to lead, Rory McIlroy just behind in joint third

Rickie Fowler took the lead at the halfway point at the 123rd US Open, but Rory McIlroy is not far behind.

Fowler hit eight birdies to finish 10 under, leading by one shot over rival Wyndham Clark. McIlroy shares third with Xander Schauffele, who are both another shot behind.

Last year’s champion Matthew Fitzpatrick – who hit a hole-in-one – and Dustin Johnson, who hit a quadruple bogey, are four off the lead, both on six under.

Jon Rahm was able to make the cut at the Los Angeles Country Club. The Spaniard was close to snapping a club as he endured a frustrating day, finishing three-over on 73,.

Last year, Fowler had failed to qualify for the US Open, and fell as low as No. 173 in the world, but the 34-year-old has been reinvigorated and is now in with a chance of winning his first major.

His 36-hole score of 130 equalled the existing record from Germany’s 2014 champion Martin Kaymer, for the lowest score in the tournament’s history.

“I’m in the lead, but we’re only halfway there,” said the American. “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.”

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is five under after posting a 68, with Open champion Cameron Smith in the top 10 on four under.

US Open leaderboard after second round

-10 R Fowler (US); -9 W Clark (US); -8 R McIlroy (NI), X Schauffele (US); -7 H English (US); -6 MW Lee (Aus), D Johnson (US); -5 S Scheffler (US), S Bennett (US); -4 C Smith (Aus)