Louis Oosthuizen holds on to share of lead at weather-affected US Open
The South African raced the birdie attempt seven feet past the hole but calmly holed the return, before also parring the ninth to complete a 67.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen held on to a share of the lead when the weather-affected US Open resumed at Torrey Pines on Friday.
Oosthuizen faced a birdie putt on his penultimate hole when play was suspended late on Thursday evening, a legacy of a 90-minute fog delay earlier in the day.
The South African raced the birdie attempt seven feet past the hole but calmly holed the return, before also parring the ninth to complete a 67.
That left Oosthuizen alongside Russell Henley on four under par, although he faced a quick turnaround before beginning round two.
Francesco Molinari and Rafa Cabrera Bello were a shot off the lead, with two-time winner Brooks Koepka pre-tournament favourite Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele among those another stroke back.
Rory McIlroy who had been a combined 35 over par in the first round of majors since 2015, was one under par after making a birdie on the 18th late on Thursday, partly thanks to playing partner Justin Rose.
Rose struggled to a 78 but ensured that his group were able to finish their round by running to the 18th and teeing off before play was suspended, almost hitting Sergio Garcia up ahead in the fairway.
“Better putting in the dark,” McIlroy joked to the remaining spectators after holing from eight feet to complete a 70.
“I was sort of like, I think it’s straight, I’ll hit it straight and we’ll see. But, yeah, it was nice to get in, get an extra hour of sleep tonight and it was a bonus to birdie in as well.”