LOS ANGELES — Sam Burns delivered a masterclass in precision and composure on Friday, firing a sensational five-under 65 to seize the lead at the halfway mark of the US Open, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy narrowly survived the cut in dramatic fashion.
Burns' Flawless Round Propels Him to the Top
Burns, who began the day three shots off the lead, carded six birdies against a single bogey at Los Angeles Country Club to post a two-round total of seven-under 133. His performance was highlighted by a stretch of four birdies in five holes on the back nine, including a 25-foot putt on the par-3 15th that drew roars from the packed galleries. "I just tried to stay patient and trust my game," Burns said afterward. "This course demands precision, and today it all clicked."
The 26-year-old Louisiana native now holds a one-shot advantage over a tightly bunched leaderboard featuring:
- Rickie Fowler (66-68, -6)
- Xander Schauffele (62-72, -6)
- Dustin Johnson (64-70, -6)
Scheffler and McIlroy Survive Cut Drama
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler flirted with disaster after a second-round 73 left him at three-over 143, just inside the projected cut line. The Masters champion struggled with his putter, needing 34 strokes on the greens. "I grinded hard out there," Scheffler admitted. "This course exposes any weakness, but I'm still in it."
Rory McIlroy's title hopes nearly ended prematurely after a double-bogey on his 15th hole (No. 6) dropped him to four-over. The Northern Irishman responded with clutch birdies on two of his final three holes to finish at two-over 142. "That was nerve-wracking," McIlroy told NBC. "But making those putts when it mattered shows I've still got the fight."
Notable Players Missing the Cut
The US Open's notorious difficulty claimed several marquee names:
- Justin Thomas (+11) - Worst 36-hole score in his major championship career
- Jordan Spieth (+6) - Failed to advance for the first time since 2017
- Viktor Hovland (+5) - Struggled with the North Course's treacherous rough
Course Conditions Draw Mixed Reactions
The restored George Thomas design at LACC has divided opinion among players. While Burns praised the "perfect balance of risk and reward," others criticized the unpredictable poa annua greens. Bryson DeChambeau, who sits at -4, called them "like putting on broccoli." The USGA defended the setup, noting the 71.5 scoring average was exactly at historical US Open standards.
Moving Day Outlook
With 18 players within four shots of Burns, Saturday's third round promises high drama. Key storylines to watch:
- Can Burns handle the pressure of his first major lead?
- Will Scheffler's ball-striking overcome his putting woes?
- Can McIlroy channel his 2011 US Open comeback (made cut on the number before winning)?
As the field tightens, Burns remains cautiously optimistic: "There's so much golf left. I need to keep doing what I've been doing - fairways, greens, and let the putter heat up. This tournament tests every part of your game, and I'm ready for that challenge." With thunderstorms forecast for Saturday afternoon, the championship could hinge on which players handle both the course and the elements.
