Matsuyama, Kim and Li carry Asian hopes at Erin Hills
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama posted the round of the day at the US Open on Friday, carding a superb seven-under-par 65 to lead the Asian challenge, while Chinese golfer Li Haotong also made history.
Matsuyama, who was two-over par following Thursday’s round, rocketed back into contention after birdieing six of the first nine holes as he finished the day at five under.
The Japanese star and world number four, who missed a 10-footer on the 18th hole for a 64, now looks as good a bet as any to claim the trophy this weekend.
“I’m very excited and very happy with the score,” Matsuyama said. “There were a couple of loose swings out there, but when you shoot 65, you can take those.”
“The biggest difference was I putted very well today,” said Matsuyama, who could become only the second Asian male player to win a major after South Korea’s Yang Yong-Eun’s triumph in the 2009 PGA Championship.
Li, meanwhile, celebrated as he became the first player from China to make the weekend at a major.
The 21-year-old finished at level par after shooting a two-under round of 70, seven shots behind the leaders.
Another Asian player making inroads on the lead was Kim Si-Woo of South Korea.
Kim shot a two-under 70 that included four birdies and two bogeys, leaving him at five under after his opening 69.
It marks the first time the 21-year old Seoul native has made the cut at a major in three attempts.
Kim, who claimed victory at last month’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, said he was riding high ahead of the US Open.
“[The] Players gave a lot of confidence for me,” said Kim. “I’m just going to try to do the same that I’ve done the last two days,” he said.
Latest
-
Equipment
Miura targets wider market with hollow-bodied IC-602 irons
Miura are out to build on their existing market with new clubs that cast a slightly wider net in terms of player quality.
-
Videos
WATCH: Young woman steps up confidently to drive – and loses club behind her
Golf’s influencer girls can make it look easy.
-
Equipment
Pros give their verdict on Callaway Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X balls
Callaway staffers have now had a good period of time to get used to their new ball offerings, the Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X.
-
Videos
WATCH: 7 times the pros horribly fluffed their shots like the rest of us
Just when you think you have it all figured out.
-
Equipment
Collin Morikawa switches his putter again – and marvels at ‘incredible’ results
Collin Morikawa isn’t a professional who changes clubs lightly but he also isn’t averse to moving with the times.
-
Videos
WATCH: Kid pulls off unbelievable flop shot over his dad’s head
The flop shot is all about getting up and down with precision and this kid has it all.
-
Equipment
The clubs that helped Peter Malnati end his title drought at the Valspar Championship
Titleist staffer Peter Malnati ended his long wait for another championship at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.
-
Videos
WATCH: Amateur golfer takes hacking to a new level – leaving crowd in fits of laughter
Hackers are going to hack.