Sweden’s Ludwig Aberg has emerged as a formidable contender in the second round of the US Open, grinding his way to a one-stroke lead. Aberg, ranked sixth in the world, has showcased exceptional poise and accuracy on the challenging Pinehurst course. His disciplined approach and unwavering patience have allowed him to navigate the demanding layout with precision.
Aberg’s journey to the top of the leaderboard began with a steady par on the opening hole. He then seized the initiative with a remarkable 30-foot birdie putt on the second hole, followed by an 11-footer on the par-5 fifth to grab the lead. Despite encountering a bogey on the eighth hole, Aberg responded swiftly with a birdie on the 12th. However, he faced another setback with a bogey on the 16th hole due to a misjudged bunker shot.
While Aberg enjoyed a relatively smooth round, top-ranked Scottie Scheffler faced significant adversity on the course. The American struggled to find his rhythm, enduring a birdie-less round and succumbing to bogeys on the par-3 15th and 17th holes. A double bogey on the par-5 fifth further compounded his woes. Scheffler ultimately made the cut on the number at five-over 145, but his hopes of contending for the championship have taken a blow.
Meanwhile, 2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau has emerged as a potential threat to Aberg’s lead. DeChambeau’s round of 69, featuring five birdies and four bogeys, has positioned him one stroke behind Aberg. Patrick Cantlay and Thomas Detry are also within striking distance, tied for second place at two-under 136.
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, seeking his first major triumph in a decade, has work to do after carding a 72 in the second round. He shares fifth place with Tony Finau, Matthieu Pavon, and Hideki Matsuyama, all sitting at one-over 137. Notably, Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner, missed the cut after a disappointing 73 on Friday.
As the tournament progresses, the field will face further challenges on the unrelenting Pinehurst course. Aberg will look to maintain his composure and extend his lead, while his rivals will strive to close the gap and mount a charge for the championship title. The weekend rounds promise intense competition and unpredictable outcomes, with the US Open crown still very much up for grabs.
