It’s a story as old as a fourth grader, one that golf fans know well: Rory McIlroy and The Search for the Elusive Fifth Major. It is in its 10th edition, dating back to 2015 when, after winning the Open Championship and the 2014 PGA Championship, McIlroy was aiming for the career Grand Slam and a fifth major victory at Augusta.
Nearly a decade later, he’s still searching for both. Of course, that was the story again today as he entered the second round of the US Open with a share of the lead. McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay each posted a 5-under 65 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead into the field.
McIlroy, like many others in Friday’s first wave, simply held on. He finished with a 2-over 72, thanks to a late bogey that kept him two shots out of the lead as he hit the clubhouse.
Although McIlroy stumbled a bit, Thomas Detry was blocked. He quickly tied Cantlay at 5 under after making the turn thanks to a huge day of putting, then briefly took a solo lead on his back nine. Bryson DeChambeau also remained in the mix after a roller coaster start. He stuck his approach at the 18th just short of the cup for a final birdie, which brought him to 4 under for the week.
Cantlay left in the afternoon wave. Tiger Woods is also in the final heat, although he will need a good day to qualify after a difficult start. The top 60 and ties will be present this weekend. Scottie Scheffler, who has been nothing short of dominant all season, is contemplating his first missed cut in 672 days.
Oh, and Sepp Straka made the first hole-in-one of the week at Pinehurst Friday morning.
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Tiger Woods wins a shot
It’s a birdie for Tiger Woods at No. 4, putting him at 3-over for the tournament. It’s huge if Big Cat sticks around for the weekend.
Ludvig Aberg jumps to the top
A birdie at No. 2 puts Ludvig Aberg tied at the top of the leaderboard with Patrick Cantlay. As mentioned yesterday, if you don’t know Aberg, get to know him because he will be a staple in these things.
This quote from Rory McIlroy sums up Pinehurst #2
When asked how the course challenged players, Rory McIlroy had this to say:
“It requires a lot more thought. Even though I made a good drive on the eighth hole, I had to adjust 151 on the hole. I’m trying to make 146. I can’t make 144 because it’s not going to happen . up there. I can’t land the 148 because it’s going to go over the green.
Détry steps back
Well, Thomas Detry’s solo role was short-lived. He just made a bogey on the par-3 6th, which brought him down to 5 under for the week. Patrick Cantlay, who has just started, is once again co-leader.
Scottie Scheffler sweats in the clubhouse
Friday was a difficult day for the top-ranked golfer in the world. He now risks missing the cut for the first time in what seems like forever.
More Jay Busbee on the field at Pinehurst:
Click the photo to read more about Scottie Scheffler’s tough outing Friday at Pinehurst. (AP/Matt York)
Tiger Woods is extinct
Tiger Woods is up and running at Pinehurst. He starts right around the projected cut line after his 4-over 74 on Thursday.
Who is Thomas Détry?
An excellent explainer on Pinehurst’s new solo leader.
🇧🇪 From Brussels, Belgium 🏌️♂️ Played college golf at the University of Illinois, earning 2015 Big Ten Player of the Year and medalist honors at the 2016 Big Ten Conference Championship. ⛳️ Broke the world record for… pic.twitter.com/OBnb8HWSqg
He left an eagle putt short, but it resulted in a very easy birdie for Thomas Detry at the par-5 5th. He is now the solo leader at the US Open.
Bryson finishes strong
It was a huge finish for Bryson DeChambeau. He birdied the 18th to complete his 1-under 69, which moved him into second as he entered the clubhouse.
The afternoon wave is about to start, but DeChambeau is just a backstroke away.
Scottie Scheffler will likely miss the cut
Scottie Scheffler just finished with a 4-over 74, bringing him down to 5-over 74 this week. It was his third consecutive round over par, which hadn’t happened since 2020.
If he can’t squeeze in the weekend with the help of the afternoon wave, he’ll miss his first cut in 672 days.
Rory McIlroy loses 2
Rory just made a par putt at the 9th, so he will finish with a 2-over 72 today. Not great, considering what he posted yesterday, but he’s still two shots off the lead entering the clubhouse.
The Wild Healing of Sam Bairstow
Sam Bairstow shot a 14-over 84 to start the US Open on Thursday.
Today he jumped 17 shots with his 3-under 67. That matches the biggest improvement from the first to the second round of the major tournament in the last 40 years.
Scottie Scheffler has just doubled the par-5 5th and is now at 5-over. He hasn’t missed the cut anywhere since 2022.
Viktor Hovland’s cut push
It will take a little longer, but Viktor Hovland is giving himself a chance to participate in the weekend. He’s at 5-over now, just outside the projected 3-over cut line.
Don’t forget that the top 60 and the ties make the difference.
