Top dog DJ calls the tune
from PETER LAING DUSTIN JOHNSON took a massive step towards a second US Open victory in three years by setting a daunting clubhouse target of four-under par.
Johnson, who is aiming to become only the second player after Tiger Woods to win the title as world No.1, carded a second round of 67 in New York.
“I like golf courses where par is a really good score and here, on every hole, par is a good score,” said Johnson, who regained top spot in the world rankings with victory in Memphis on Sunday.
“I played well and my speed on my putts has been very good. To hole that one on the seventh (from 45 feet) was a nice bonus.”
Tough
England’s Tommy Fleetwood shot a superb 66 to finish one-over par.
Fleetwood finished fourth at Erin Hills last year and is relishing another tough challenge over the weekend as he looks to become only the third English winner of the US Open since 1924.
“I have a lot of patience and the tougher the conditions, the more I feel I can grind it out and will my way around,” said the European No.1.
“If you are going to win the US Open, which is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, it should be that kind of test.
“It’s a tournament that is set up for good ball strikers, which is one of my strengths.
“Yesterday we got beat up and today turned into survival midway through the round when it was cold and raining, but I managed to get something going with some birdies at the end.”
Fleetwood birdied three of his last five holes as the weather improved at
Shinnecock Hills.