Morikawa, Rahm, McIlroy: place your bets!

Collin Morikawa, double winner of Majors, and the unexpected Joel Dahmen, 130th in the world, jointly occupy the lead of the US Open, after the second round played on Friday at Brookline (Massachusetts). They are particularly pressed by the cadors Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, defending champion.

By returning a card of 66 (five birdies, one bogey) or four strokes under par, Morikawa, 7th in the world, jumped thirteen places to total -5.

“So far no one has managed to really escape. But, at the moment, my game is really good. The last few days have given me some confidence for this weekend, and I hope to be able to make a difference in one way or another”, welcomed the 25-year-old American, winner of the PGA Championship in 2020 and the British Open last year.

If he wins on Sunday, Morikawa will become the first player to win three different majors in as many years since Tiger Woods. “I don’t want to talk too much about it. I have to focus on my next day, stick to my game plan and make sure I don’t run out of steam…I just have to be really ready for the next 36 holes”, he eluded.

He had long thought he was alone at the top of the rankings, but his compatriot Joel Dahmen, who was already well placed in second position the day before, joined him by scoring his 4th birdie of the day (against two bogeys) at N.15 thanks to an impressive putt of 18 meters.

The latter, in search of a second title on the North American circuit at 34, even narrowly missed a new birdie at N.18, his putt closely skirting the hole.

This duo is suddenly ahead of a fifth, led by Rahm (2nd in the world) and McIlroy (3rd).

The Northern Irishman had a rollercoaster day, starting with a double-bogey on the third hole, which preceded two bogeys on the N.6 and N.10. But he made up for it with five birdies ensured by a solid putt

“I’m in a good position. I’m really happy with the way I’m playing and I think that’s the most important thing,” commented McIlroy, who is chasing his first Grand Slam since 2014 and remains on a win. at the Canada Open last week in Toronto.

Since 1934, no player has won the US Open after winning the tournament played the previous weekend. “I have to approach all of this with the same mindset as if I wanted to win my first Major again,” he said.

Starting in the “back nine”, Jon Rahm distinguished himself with an eagle on the par 5 of N.14, which allowed him to finish at -3, after three birdies and two bogeys.

Three Americans, Aaron Wise, Beau Hossler and the unknown Hayden Buckley complete this group in 2nd place.

Another quinté shares 8th place, following two units behind the leaders. The world No.1 and winner of the last Masters, Scottie Scheffler, is one of them. He also distinguished himself with an eagle on the N.14 between two birdies on the last six holes.

“I stayed very patient. I hit the ball really well. If a few putts had gone in instead of spinning around, it could have been a really good day,” the American said.

Phil Mickelson, back in competition in the United States after four months of absence, failed to pass the cut. The six-time Major winner, banned from the PGA Tour until further notice due to his membership in the dissident League LIV financed by Saudi funds, finished with a total of +11.

Seventeen Tour players have been banned from the PGA Tour, until further notice, but allowed to compete in the US Open this week.

Dustin Johnson, another American star who gave in to the sirens of LIV Golf, made the cut with Patrick Reed (31st, +1) and Bryson DeChambeau (40th, +2).

–