Rickie Fowler (Murrieta) fires a 62 and 68 in the first two rounds at the US Open in Los Angeles to lead the field at -10.
Rickie Fowler (Murrieta) fires a 62 and 68 in the first two rounds at the US Open in Los Angeles to lead the field at -10. Credit: Jon Gaede, BVN

Jon D. Gaede | BVN Sports

At the midway point, the unusually thick marine layer gave way to sunshine at the 123rd US Open in Los Angeles. Murrieta’s Rickie Fowler (Oklahoma State) and Xander Schauffele (San Diego State) matched each other with 62’s on day one, Fowler’s followed up with a second round 68 to lead the field at 10 under par.

Fowler’s accomplishments in USGA’s golf majors has been quite remarkable, even though he has yet to win one. In that 2011 to 2018 span, Fowler finished in the top 10 eight times, including seconds in the Masters (2018) and US Open (2014). If he stays to form, perhaps Fowler’s precision iron play and phenomenal putting could lead to his first major title.

Wyndam Clark, currently one behind at (-9), McIlroy and Schauffele at (-8), Dustin Johnson (-6) and world number one player Scottie Scheffler lurks five shots back. The warm weather will likely tighten up the course and firm up the greens, which will bring a greater challenge for the players.

While on assignment for GamePro Magazine in 1996, Jon Gaede met former Black Voice Sports Editor, Leland Stein at a Los Angeles Lakers’ game. They formed a working relationship which has endured for 24 years. In addition to African safaris, theater productions, Footsteps to Freedom Tours with Black Voice News Publisher Emeritus Cheryl Brown, concerts and portraits, Jon’s true passion comes from shooting action sports images. Jon has covered a variety of prep, collegiate and professional sports from track & field to boxing, including six Olympic Games.