Rickie Fowler Targets First Major Win After Taking 36 Hole Lead at 2023 US Open

• Rickie Fowler shot a 68 in the second round to hold a one-shot lead in the 2023 US Open
• Fowler has yet to win a major championship in his illustrious pro golf career
• His best finish at the U.S. Open came in 2014 at Pinehurst, with Fowler ending up tied for second

Rickie Fowler remained on track to win his first-ever major championship, shooting a two-under 68 in the second round to grab the solo lead at the midway point of the 2023 U.S. Open.

He currently holds a one-shot advantage over Wyndham Clark heading into the weekend.

Fowler failed to match the heights of his record opening round, where he shot a sizzling eight-under 62.

Fowler maintains U.S. Open lead

He got off to a strong start, birdieing each of his first three holes, but could not sustain the momentum in Round 2.

He carded eight birdies and six bogeys in the second round, per Yahoo! Sports.

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Fowler’s unstable round was a welcome sight for Rory McIlroy, who finished the day just two shots off the lead.

He finished strongly in the second round, making birdies in four of his last five holes to grab a share of third place.

Fowler's main threats this weekend

McIlroy is tied with Xander Schauffele, who buried a late birdie to secure a spot in the second-to-the-last pairing on Saturday.

Harris English is a shot further back at seven under, while two-time major champion Dustin Johnson leads a group at six under.

Many big names failed to make the cut on Friday, including Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, and Max Homa.

Thomas struggled mightily in Round 2, shooting an 11-over-par 81.

Fans rooting for Fowler

All eyes this weekend will be on Fowler, who looks to secure his first major win. His strong play this week has been a pleasant surprise for him and his supporters.

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Fowler’s last win on the PGA Tour came in 2019 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, per Golf.com.

He came close to winning the U.S. Open in 2014, finishing in a tie for second. He also tied for second at the Open Championship and tied for third at the PGA Championship that same year.

2023 US Open purse breakdown

Sports Brief recently reported on the US Open prize money breakdown.

This year's U.S. Open boasts a total purse of $20 million, the highest among the four major championships.

The champion will take home $3.6 million.