Rory McIlroy makes a shaky start in second round of US Open

Rory McIlroy relinquished his share of the overnight lead in early second-round US Open action on Friday at Pinehurst in North Carolina.

McIlroy, who began the day level with Patrick Cantlay after opening with a five-under-par 65 that left them one shot clear of Swede Ludvig Aberg, went out in the fifth group from the 10th tee and covered the back nine in two-over-par 37.

Cantlay, competing in his 30th major and seeking his first triumph at one of golf's blue-riband events, was alone in front at the time.

World number three McIlroy, who was one of two players to go bogey-free in an opening round where only 15 players managed to break par, saw that clean streak end quickly on Friday.

The Northern Irishman dropped his first shot at the par-four 11th where his approach shot rolled off the green and between two bunkers. He chipped back on and then watched as his par putt from just inside six feet rolled over the right edge.

He then bogeyed the par-three 15th where he failed to get up and down after his tee shot rolled off the false front that protects an otherwise accessible green.

McIlroy looked certain to slip further back at the par-three 17th after his long-range birdie putt rolled off the green but he managed to save par with a brilliant chip from 39 feet that produced a wild roar from the surrounding fans.

Ace alert!