There is much debate from many of my colleagues and fans alike about Chambers Bay and it's choice as the site for this 115th US Open, but whatever your stance, it is riveting because you just never know what is going to happen.
What I can report is that two of America's most talented young stars are atop the leaderboard, but not by much. Jordan Speith 67, and Patrick Reed 69 are at -5, and they are just two of only 16 players under par.
They were the undoubted stars of the US team that were drubbed at Gleneagles last September going 2-0-1 as rookies. Speith was unbeatable earlier this year if you recall starting with his win at the Australian Open while Reed has a win and has been in contention several times this year.
They are at 5-under 135, one shot ahead of Branden Grace of South Africa (67) and Dustin Johnson, who had the lead for most of the afternoon until he closed with three bogeys on his last five holes for a 71.
Tiger Woods, 76 posted the his highest 36-hole score (156) after opening with a 80. Rickie Fowler also missed the cut as did David Hearn after shooting 75, but Brad Fritsch added a 74 to his opening 70 and will play all weekend.
Jason Day has vertigo, a balance problem with the inner ear and he was two shots out of the lead when he collapsed as he headed to the 18th green. Partner Spieth got to him quickly and amazingly after being helped to his feet, managed to finish the hole with a bogey and a 70 and still was three behind.
He was treated at the course, and his agent said he was resting comfortably and hoped to play today.
Reed had one hole that underlines how controversial Chambers Bay is when his tee shot on No. 18 stopped just short of a bunker, and his 7-iron found the middle of the green. The pin was in a valley, however, and from 50 feet away, Reed could get no closer than 20 feet. He three-putted for bogey.
“I hit the ball in the middle of the green on 18 and have no chance to putt a normal putt and stop near the hole, and have to play Mickey Mouse golf to try to make par,”
Dustin Johnson is driving it 10 yards farther than anyone this week, folks he hit a par 5 today with a monster 400 yard drive and a wedge !! Like I said yesterday at -4 right now with wedges in his hand while others have 6 irons he is going to be difficult to beat as the field retreats towards par and worse.
Speaking of long hitters watch out for Tony Finau, the powerful rookie making his major championship debut, with a solid 68. He is at 3-under 137 with Joost Luiten (69), Daniel Summerhays (67) and Ben Martin (70).
Rory McIlroy four-putted on No. 17 and closed with a bogey for another 72 that put him nine shots behind. Phil Mickelson shot a 74 and said he struggled with the surface area around the holes. He is eight shots behind
So as Tiger misses the cut and Phil is well behind the changing of the guard continues. That's good for the game, good for the tournament and real good to watch.
Bryan (notes from BBC Reuters AP europeantour,com)
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