Richard Bland and Russel Henley share halfway lead at U.S. Open

Richard Bland and Russel Henley share halfway lead at U.S. Open

Richard Bland and Russell Henley are tied for the lead at five-under following the second round of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

Richard Bland, a 48-year-old from England who recently won on the European Tour last month in his 478th start, shot a 4-under 67 and walked off Torrey Pines with his name atop the leaderboard in only his fourth major.

Russell Henley, the joint-leader on day one, had a chance to build a two-shot lead Friday afternoon when he stood over an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-5 ninth. He missed and then watched his 2-foot par putt spin out of the cup. That gave him a 70 to join Bland 5-under 137.

South African Louis Oosthuizen (71) and the American Matthew Wolff (68) were one shot behind off the leaders.

Another shot back were two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson (67) and Jon Rahm (70), a past winner at Torrey Pines and former world No. 1.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau is level par after a 68, alongside two-time winner Brooks Koepka (73). Also at even-par 142 was Justin Thomas, who carded a 3-under 68.

Victor Hovland withdrew from the U.S. Open midway through his second round due to a problem with his eye. Hovland made four bogeys on the front nine in his second round and pulled out after a double-bogey at the 10th.

Phil Mickelson, Garrick Higgo, Justin Rose, Cameron Smith, Henrik Stenson, Cameron Champ, Tony Finau are among the notables who missed the cut.