The first of them already have two great successes: the PGA Championship 2020 and the last British Open. Now he has between his eyebrows a third tournament of the big four. The other, Dahmen, made the qualifying cut for the first time at the US Open and seems to be having the best week of his sporting life. Each of them accumulates 135 hits, five under par, after two days of action.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who won this event in 2011, and Spain’s Jon Rahm, defending champion, are always on the lookout for important events. The competitive appetite has both former No. 1s on the leaders’ radar, one stroke away, along with three Americans, Hayden Buckley, Aaron Wise, and Beau Hossler, also authors of 136.
The current number 1 and last winner of the Augusta Masters, Scottie Scheffler, rose considerably on the leaderboard thanks to his great run of 67 strokes (-3). “I stayed very patient and hit very well. If some putts had gone in instead of staying around the hole, it would have been a really special day”, graphed the head of the world ranking, who recomposed himself after two bogeys in the beginning and closed the round with an eagle and two birdies in the last six holes. With an accumulated 137 (-3), he settled in the group that fights at the top of the table.
The Canadian Adam Hadwin, who was not registered until eight days before the tournament and had been the solidarity leader on the first day, with 66, and the Englishman Callum Tarren, number 445 in the world and one of his surprising escorts in the opening, with 67, they fell back but they’re still in the forward lot. The first made 72, and the other, 71, until both were -2. They lost ground, but not hope.
On the other hand, the American Phil Mickelson, pointed out as the “leader of the rebels” who gave themselves up to LIV Golf magnetized by the millionaire rewards of the controversial series promoted by the Arabs, was applauded, cheered, and applauded as always. But the one that turned his back these days on the PGA Tour was his own game. The San Diego left-hander, who turned 52 on Thursday, didn’t improve enough on Day 2 after a very erratic opening round (+8) and missed the qualifying cut. He signed a card of 73 strokes, with two birdies and five bogeys, and said goodbye with 151 (+11).
“I thought I was more prepared for this tournament. The US Open is the toughest test of golf there is, and you don’t know where your game is until you try it. I had a lot of trouble with the putter, not just this week; but also the previous one. I hope to work for what is to come”, commented Mickelson, disappointed.
Cameron Young didn’t cut either, but he made the big play of the day: his hole in one at the 6, a 165-yard par 3. He hit, the ball bounced three times and smoothly, without much suspense, headed for the hole. After that, the American made two birdies, but the comeback was not enough to be among the 64 that will define the championship this Saturday when the third round will take place, and on Sunday.
