His 9-under score was the lowest relative to par in U.S. Open history, and the 63 tied the 8-under mark set by Johnny Miller at Oakmont in 1973.
"Even though it's very disappointing to not be here on the weekend, I think these last two rounds will serve me well going into the summer", McIlroy said.
Duly noted. On the other hand, there's an argument that Thomas' nine birdie, one eagle and two bogey round had as many explosives and ended more dramatically than any 63 in a major ever.
"I really wasn't pleased with kind of how I finished, so I went out and had to touch all the bases after I played, worked with my coach, " Reed said.
One by one over the past year-and-change, the newbies are taking over the major championships in golf.
Kentucky native Thomas became the youngest golfer to shoot 59 on the PGA Tour, which came in the opening round of his Sony Open victory in Honolulu.
T7. Charley Hoffman (-8): Things started to get a little shaky for Hoffman during the final nine holes of the day (two birdies, three bogeys), making his otherwise impressive 68 seem like a struggle.
However, after dropping another shot on the 15th, Casey regained his composure superbly to birdie the 17th and 18th, the latter being the second longest hole in major history at 676 yards. Someone could get out early and shoot a low score.
On an Erin Hills course that again lacked enough wind to be the stern test the U.S. Open wants, Brian Harman weaved his way through traffic at the top of the leaderboard Saturday for a 5-under 67 and a one-shot lead over Thomas, Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood.
Masters champion Sergio Garcia is in a group of nine players on four under after he posted a one-under 71. "I struck the ball nicely, had some opportunities, rolled a few putts over the edge".
Fleetwood's second shot on the par-five 18th finished just 47 yards from the pin.
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Blues boss Antonio Conte is a big fan of the Brazil worldwide and is looking to land him this summer. And it is said Juve would be willing to let the defender go if he confirms that he wants to leave.
Casey discovered how little it takes to make a big number in the U.S. Open - and at this U.S. Open, how a recovery is never too far away.
Harman, who is hoping to become the first lefthander to win the U.S. Open, must have felt overlooked given Thomas' accomplishment.
KEY STATISTIC: In 116 U.S. Opens to date, only six players had ever reached 10 under or better.
Dustin Johnson of the US plays his shot from a bunker on the 16th hole during the second round of the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills in Hartford, Wisconsin. He tied for 27th at Chambers Bay two years ago. Obviously, today I definitely had something to show for it.
It's also important to note that there hasn't been a playoff in the last eight U.S. Opens.
Speaking about the changes he made past year, Fleetwood added: "I went back to my old coach and had one of my best mates caddying and I think that can't be underestimated, having your friend with you, whether you're leading the US Open or playing a casual round at home".
The Englishman rallied with a string of five birdies in a row on the way to a one-under 71 that put the smile back on his face and his name on top of the leaderboard at Erin Hills.
"It's not going to be an easy day, for sure", Fowler said.
"I've got a good plan for this course". "I'm looking forward to my shot at it".
One thing you can count on for certain on Sunday is that the streak of six majors being won by a first-time victor will grow to seven.
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