Sam Burns hit a sensational five-under 65 to set the clubhouse target as Scottie Scheffler battled to make the cut during the second round of the US Open.Only four of 78 players in the early wave posted under-par scores on another gruelling day at Oakmont with Burns improving to three under overall.

Sam Burns took a one-shot lead into the final round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. From there, things did not go well.

Scheffler’s game has not been where he wants it, but he sits in a tie for 11th entering the final round at Oakmont.

Scheffler, despite his struggles, played well enough to reach the weekend, as did Rory McIlroy, who birdied No. 18 to close at 6-over before continuing his bizarre anti-media petulant pouting campaign and blowing off interview requests.

OAKMONT, Pa. — Sam Burns is a birdie machine at Oakmont, a label not many expected at this U.S. Open. By avoiding another sloppy finish, Burns posted a 5-under 65 on Friday and set the target for the late starters — and let Scottie Scheffler know the mountain he faced.

The ridiculously high standards that Scottie Scheffler has set the last 3 ½ years often lead to even higher expectations, which makes his start at the U.S. Open feel like such an anomaly.

Brooks Koepka, the last player to win back-to-back U.S. Opens, flirted with the top of the leaderboard on Friday, never made a move, shooting 73 to stand at 5-over. Collin Morikawa, a two-time major winner, never made a move, shooting 74 to stand at 8-over for the week.

OAKMONT, Pa. — Coming off a big birdie, Scottie Scheffler stepped onto the third tee box — his 12th hole of the day — looking to right his round and reclaim his role as U.S. Open favorite. He let loose with the driver but knew immediately the shot was way off target.