BOSS is right.
For the second straight round, Martin Kaymer wore it on his shirt. The former world No. 1 played like his former distinction, equalling his No. 2 course record 5-under 65 to set a U.S. Open record for the lowest score accumulated through 36 holes.
After a 12-hour recharge of the battery, Kaymer took the course early Friday morning and completed his round without a bogey, matching the largest second-round lead in tournament history with a six-shot advantage at 10-under.
Since 1945, only one golfer has relinquished a 36-hole lead greater than four strokes at a U.S. Open. Suffice to say, Kaymer was pleased following the round.
"The way I play golf right now is just very satisfying." -- Martin Kaymer in the understatement of the week.
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGC) June 13, 2014
Kaymer became only the sixth man in tournament history to reach the double-digit mark below par, but his heroics remain an afterthought. Phil Mickelson's yearning to complete his career grand slam dominated the headlines entering the tournament, and his disappointing Friday remains the tournament talking point.
After picking up two strokes over the first three holes, Mickelson stumbled down the stretch. He carded five bogeys en route to a 73, and will be hard-pressed to factor over the weekend.
At 4-under, lesser-known American Brendon Todd may be the greatest threat to Kaymer through the weekend. In strong form after earning his first PGA victory at the Byron Nelson Championship last month, Todd recorded fifth and eighth-place finishes leading up to his first major championship start.
Kevin Na, Brandt Snedeker, and Jordan Spieth, who each recorded their second straight round under par, are also capable adversaries in red figures.
Dustin Johnson turned in consecutive rounds in the 60s for the first time at a U.S. Open with another 69 Friday, but an absolutely dreadful putting stroke precluded a serious charge toward Kaymer.
His struggles on the carpet were typified by this horrendous effort:
Masters champion Adam Scott played his way back into the tournament with a 3-under 67 that improved his two-round total to even par, while Rory McIlroy gained steam late in his second round to finish at 1-under.
Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel, Jason Dufner, and Lee Westwood are among notable participants who failed to make the 4-over cut.
