A strange sledge from a boozy Boston fan was just part of a long and tough second round at the US Open for Adam Scott that lasted 5 hours and 15 minutes.
“Hey Adam, nice tribute to Steve Irwin!” the fan shouted at a khaki-wearing Scott on his 14th hole on Friday, referencing the late Australian animal conservationist Irwin.
But Scott wasn’t bothered. He was just glad to have made the cut and kept himself within seven shots of the lead after 36 holes at The Country Club at Brookline.
“They were fine … I would having a few (beers) as well if I were out here,” Scott told Australian Golf Digest through laughter.
Collin Morikawa (66) and Joel Dahmen (68) were 36-hole leaders at five under, while defending champion Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy were among five players tied third at four under.
Marc Leishman (71), the leading Australian at one over, offered a good explanation for why the Boston area fans were extra vocal on day two of their national championship. At one point, Scott’s playing partner Jordan Spieth had a fan yell before his putting stroke, “There’s no way you’re going to make this putt Jordan!” Spieth’s caddie, Michael Greller, walked over had a few words with the heckler.
“Yeah, you could tell they’d had a few beers … they had a rough last night because their Celtics lost the NBA finals to Golden State, so they prob took it out on us today,” Leishman laughed as he told Australian Golf Digest. “It was all fun and nothing offensive; I love Boston crowds.”
At two-over-par, Scott joined Leishman (one over), Todd Sinnott (two over) and Min Woo Lee (three over) as the four Australians to make the 36-hole cut of three over. Australia’s top-ranked Cameron Smith had a disappointing 74 and at six over he missed his first cut at a Major since last year’s US Open. Lucas Herbert (79) was 13 over and Jed Morgan (74) was 16 over.
Scott and Leishman were confident they were still in with a chance and both set even par as a target score to get to before Sunday afternoon’s final round.
“If I can get it back to par or under par with a good score early tomorrow in the third round, I could have a chance come Sunday,” Scott said. “The greens are still soft but if the USGA lets them dry out, it’s going to be tough for the leaders in the afternoon on Saturday, so I need to take advantage of an early tee time.”
Leishman agreed. “It was tough today; it’s turning into a proper US Open test and I’m really looking forward to this weekend. I think even par will have a big chance; you could see the greens change colour today … they’re getting quicker. I’d take even par right now if you gave it to me, and go sit in a bar somewhere,” he added with a laugh.
