Richard Bland and Russell Henley are tied for the lead at five-under following the second round of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

Richard Bland, a 48-year-old from England who recently won on the European Tour last month in his 478th start, shot a 4-under 67 and walked off Torrey Pines with his name atop the leaderboard in only his fourth major.

Russell Henley, the joint-leader on day one, had a chance to build a two-shot lead Friday afternoon when he stood over an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-5 ninth. He missed and then watched his 2-foot par putt spin out of the cup. That gave him a 70 to join Bland 5-under 137.

South African Louis Oosthuizen (71) and the American Matthew Wolff (68) were one shot behind off the leaders.

Another shot back were two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson (67) and Jon Rahm (70), a past winner at Torrey Pines and former world No. 1.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau is level par after a 68, alongside two-time winner Brooks Koepka (73). Also at even-par 142 was Justin Thomas, who carded a 3-under 68.

Victor Hovland withdrew from the U.S. Open midway through his second round due to a problem with his eye. Hovland made four bogeys on the front nine in his second round and pulled out after a double-bogey at the 10th.

Phil Mickelson, Garrick Higgo, Justin Rose, Cameron Smith, Henrik Stenson, Cameron Champ, Tony Finau are among the notables who missed the cut.

Posted on: 2021 Jun 19 Sat
Posted by: Vineet