PAUL IS STILL ON THE CASE

Englishman flying high

® from PETER LAING

PAUL CASEY remains in the hunt for US Open glory as Rory McIlroy faced missing the cut for the second year running.

Casey, 39, began one shot off the lead at Erin Hills and went on to card six birdies – including five in a row – two bogeys and a triple-bogey eight in a round of 71.

With his first-round 66, that took him to seven under par and the early clubhouse lead on day two in Wisconsin.

He said: “It feels really good and it is not every day you enjoy a round of golf with an eight on the card.

“It was a bit of a roller-coaster round but if you can get through any Major with a hiccup like I had, you have to be delighted.

“It was all my own fault but a good display of what can happen if you get out of position on this golf course, which is what I did on 14. It’s a good eight in the end.”

While Casey is flying, many of the big names continued to struggle.

Trudged

They don’t come any bigger than McIlroy, but the 2011 champion now has the prospect of another weekend off after adding a 71 to his disastrous opening 78.

Four birdies in the last six holes left him five over and in 115th place when he trudged back to the clubhouse.

He said: “I showed up for the last six holes, anyway. I definitely hit the ball a bit better off the tee but it is competitive golf rounds that I have been missing.”

Danny Willett’s miserable run continued when a back injury forced him out before he started round two.

Willett shot the highest score of 81 on day one and pulled the plug to avoid more pain.

Andrew Johnston is still in the hunt – thanks to some sandwiches.

‘Beef ’ was peckish before his 7.18am tee time and ordered a quick takeaway.

He said: “I had breakfast but it is a long walk out there and I just wanted to make sure I had enough food in the bag.”