By Evin Priest
AUSTRALIA’S two biggest US Open hopes held the same second-round score when play was called off at Oakmont Country Club at 8.24pm local time, yet five shots separated playing partners Adam Scott and Jason Day.
As world No.1, Day headed into America’s national championship as hot favourite, but an opening 76 on Oakmont’s par-70 layout put his bid for a second Major in dire circumstances. Playing together, Queenslanders Scott and Day were 1-under the card during their second rounds when the Aussie superstars were called off their 16th hole.
Scott is poised for his second Major at even par (following a credible opening 71) and in a share of 14th, while Day (5-over) is nine shots back of leaders Dustin Johnson and Andrew Landry at 4-under.
Big-hitting Johnson was able to build on his stellar opening 67, with his 1-under second round putting him in a share of the lead, while fellow American Landry was unable to tee off in his Friday round.
In a share of 21st, Marc Leishman is second best of the Aussies, yet the Warrnambool ace never got to improve on his opening 1-over 71 as weather delays prevented him from teeing it up in his second round.
Youngster Cameron Smith, in the field because of his incredible T4 at last year’s US Open, is in a share of 72nd at 6-over with fellow Aussie Aron Price. Geoff Ogilvy – a champion at this tournament 10 years ago – is a shot back at 7-over and in a share of 93rd.
All three are in danger of missing the cut of top 60 players and ties, which is likely to be 5- or 6-over par.
The second rounds of @marcleish and @aronpricePGA begin in the morning. The cut will be top 60 and ties. Looks in +5/+6 range likely.
— Golf Australia ⛳️ (@GolfAust) June 18, 2016
Steven Bowditch unfortunately continues his run of poor form and is 17-over par in 153rd.
