Pinehurst, North Carolina – Ludvig Åberg has risen to the top of the leaderboard at the US Open, leading a field of notable contenders including Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst No 2. The debutant shot a one-under 69 to reach five under, edging out DeChambeau, Patrick Cantlay, and Thomas Detry by a single stroke. McIlroy, in pursuit of his fifth major title, sits two shots back despite a solid 65 followed by a second-round 72, placing him tied fifth with Tony Finau and Matthieu Pavon. Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama’s strong round of 66 put him within three strokes of the lead.
At the midway point of the tournament, the leaderboard stands at -5 for Ludvig Åberg, -4 for Bryson DeChambeau, Thomas Detry, and Patrick Cantlay, and -3 for Rory McIlroy, Tony Finau, and Matthieu Pavon. Notable performances include World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler barely making the cut at five over and Tiger Woods missing the cut for the second consecutive major after a three-over 73.
In the second round, Åberg maintained his lead, despite some challenges, while Cantlay and Pavon stayed close behind. The Swede showcased his skills with notable putting moments, securing his position at the top of the leaderboard. Reflecting on his performance, Åberg emphasized the importance of discipline and patience on a demanding course like Pinehurst No 2.
As the tournament progresses, contenders like Xander Schauffele and Brian Harman remain within striking distance of the leaders, with only 15 players under par heading into the weekend. The cut saw Open champion Francesco Molinari making a dramatic jump with a hole-in-one to stay in contention. Despite challenges, favorites like Brooks Koepka and Matt Fitzpatrick secured their spots for the weekend rounds.
With the competition heating up, the stage is set for an exciting weekend of golf at the US Open. The hunt for the championship title intensifies as players navigate the unforgiving course and strive to outperform their rivals. Stay tuned for live coverage of the third round on Sky Sports Golf, starting Saturday at 3 pm. The quest for victory continues, with every stroke determining the fate of the players vying for the prestigious title.