Shane Lowry 'praying for guys to make bogeys' as Winged Foot kicks back

Shane Lowry rose to the challenge and two birdies in the final three holes of second round gave a very respectable level-par 70

Shane Lowry is hoping a few players slip up as he looks to make the cut at the US Open. Picture: AP Photo/John Minchillo

Shane Lowry left Winged Foot tonight praying for bogeys from the rest of the US Open field still out on the course and they looked to have been answered as the New York course finally flexed its muscles and began to claim Rory McIlroy as one of its victims.

An opening 76 at one of this major’s toughest courses on Thursday spoke of missed opportunities for the Open champion when first-round leader Justin Thomas posted a five-under-par 65, the lowest score at Winged Foot ever recorded at a US Open there.