LOS ANGELES — Rickie Fowler followed up a historic 8-under 62 in the first round of the 2023 U.S. Open with a 2-under 68 in Friday's second round to grab a one-stroke lead over Wyndham Clark heading into the weekend at the Los Angeles Country Club.
Rory McIlroy was another stroke back in third. With a scorecard that resembled a roller coaster, Fowler continued his chaotic but impressive play by making eight birdies, four pars and six bogeys in his second round.
His erratic scoring was emblematic of a course that prides itself on rewarding good shots and punishing errant ones. «It's not that easy out there,» Fowler said. «Yes, I've made a lot of birdies, and that is doable out there.
It's still a very hard test. You hit fairways and hit greens, yes, you can score well, but you get out of position and it's going to eat you up.» After carding 10 birdies in Round 1, Fowler now has 18 birdies, the most birdies or better in the U.S.