JJ Spaun Leads as Scottie Scheffler Struggles at the US Open

US Open Round Two Highlights

JJ Spaun, who took the lead after the first round of the US Open, began his second round on Friday at Oakmont Country Club. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler, the world number one and pre-tournament favorite, found himself unable to make significant progress in the competition.

Spaun, who achieved the only bogey-free round on Thursday, started his day with a par under overcast skies, facing pressure from several competitors closely trailing him.

Among the early players, Sam Burns delivered an impressive five-under-par 65, placing him just one stroke behind Spaun and tying him with South African Thriston Lawrence, who was set to begin his round at 2:20 p.m. ET (1820 GMT) from the 10th tee.

Viktor Hovland, starting from the back nine, made an eagle at the par-four 17th after chipping in from the rough, finishing with a 68 that brought him to one under for the tournament, three shots off the lead.

Scheffler, who recorded a disappointing opening score of 73, the worst of his major career relative to par, managed to mix four birdies with five bogeys for a one-over 71, leaving him at four over for the week.

Despite his struggles, the PGA Championship winner remains within the projected cut line of seven over but has a considerable challenge ahead if he aims to secure his fourth major title this week.

Kim Si-woo from South Korea, who was two shots behind after the first round, teed off in the afternoon wave.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau and Masters winner Rory McIlroy, both of whom faced difficulties in their opening rounds, also began their second rounds later in the day.

Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion and one of the 14 LIV Golf players in the tournament, started his day two shots off the lead but fell back after posting a 74, which included eight bogeys, notably at his last two holes.