US Open Resumes With Adam Hadwin Ahead, Stormy Scene For Rory McIlroy

Leader Adam Hadwin was set for a morning start as Friday's second round of the US Open began while Rory McIlroy and defending champion Jon Rahm could have to face afternoon thunderstorms. Canada's Hadwin opened Thursday at The Country Club with a four-under par 66, his lowest career round at a major, to grab a one-stroke lead over third-ranked McIlroy and four others after 18 holes. Hadwin, the first Canadian to lead a US Open since Mike Weir in 2009, has never been better than 24th in 19 prior major starts but he hopes for more success when he starts at 8:24 a.m. (1224 GMT) off the 10th tee.

"Pick a target. Have a number in mind and try and execute. Go find it and hit it again," Hadwin said of his second-round strategy over the 7,254-yard layout.

"I've done a great job with that over the last little bit. It's getting easier as I continue to play better to keep in that mindset.

"There's a lot of golf left and this course is only going to get tougher."

Hadwin made it into the field as an alternate when England's Paul Casey withdrew last week due to a back injury.

England's Callum Tarren, Sweden's David Lingmerth, American Joel Dahmen and South African M.J. Daffue -- with only 19 major starts between them -- joined four-time major winner McIlroy in second on 67.

Daffue, in his major debut, wasn't even planning to try and qualify for the event before he clinched a PGA Tour spot. Now he's the earliest starter among top chasers, out in the second group off the first tee.

"Sometimes you have to go this way to end up in the right place," said Daffue. "I'm really glad. I'm enjoying everything about it."

Scattered storms and gusty winds are expected in the area when McIlroy and second-ranked Rahm are due to tee off in the early