Fowler holds top spot at US Open
Rickie Fowler continued to make US Open history at the Los Angeles Country Club on Friday with another birdie blitz that saw the fan favourite take a one-shot lead into the weekend. Fowler followed up his record-breaking first round 62 with a rollercoaster 68 that mixed eight birdies with six bogeys to sit 10-under par after 36 holes, one clear of fellow American Wyndham Clark. "The birdies are out there if you put yourself in the right position," said Fowler, whose 18 birdies through the first 36 holes is a US Open record. "But as you can see, bogeys are very easy to make." He proved Thursday's heroics were no fluke when he opened his second round with three straight birdies and managed to get himself out of trouble with superb putting before signing a colourful scorecard that included just four pars. Fowler, who had fallen off the golf map in recent years, has thrilled fans with his sensational play this week, leading many to hope the Southern Californian can capture his first major title in LA. "There has been a lot of adversity in the last three years," Fowler said. "It's been a while since I've felt this good in a tournament, let alone a major. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm definitely looking forward to it." Fowler will not rest easy with Clark on his heels, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele two back, Harris English three off the pace and world number one Scottie Scheffler and 2016 champion Dustin Johnson also in pursuit. Hong Kong's Alex Yang, the first player from the SAR to start a major, missed the cut at 13-over. China's Ding Wenyi also went out after shooting seven over. (Reuters, additiong reporting by RTHK)