Sam Burns hits 61 to take one-shot halfway lead

Sam Burns watches his shot from the 17th tee at the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West during the second round of the American Express tournament. Pic: Ryan Sun/AP

Sam Burns shot a second round 61 as he took a one-shot halfway lead at The American Express tournament in California.

Burns’ career-low round leaves him on 17 under par, one shot ahead of fellow American Michael Kim with South Korean’s KH Lee and American amateur Nick Dunlap a further shot back.

A pair of eagles and seven birdies had put Burns in with a chance of breaking 60, but he could only par the last two holes.

Leaderboard after Round 2 @TheAmExGolf ⛳️

1. @SamBurns66 (-17)
2. @Mike_Kim714 (-16)
T3. K.H. Lee (-15)
T3. Nick Dunlap (a)
T5. @Patrick_Cantlay (-14)
T5. Eric Cole
T5. @AHadwinGolf
T5. Si Woo Kim
T5. Christiaan Bezuidenhout
T5. @AlexNorenGolf

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 20, 2024

Dunlap, who plays at the University of Alabama, fired a 65 at the Stadium Course – one of three being used for the tournament – to follow his opening 64.

A group of six, including American Ryder Cup star Patrick Cantlay and joint overnight leader Alex Noren of Sweden, sit on 14 under par.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry shot a second round of 67 to lie seven shots off the lead.