Day two digest: 2021 U.S. Open Championship

Everything you need to know from the second day at Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Bland made more history, Louis was in the mix (again), Rahm was stalking and Victor Perez was socking it to 'em on day two of the 2021 U.S. Open Championship.

Here is everything you need to know from Friday in California.

Bland living the dream

Richard Bland made headlines around the golfing world when, at the age of 48, he won his first European Tour event at the 478th time of asking at last month's Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett. A 67 on day two here saw his star rise further as he became the oldest ever 36 hole leader at the U.S. Open, sharing top spot at five under with American Russell Henley. He also started the week at 115th on the Official World Golf Ranking, the exact same ranking that Phil Mickelson held when he won last month's US PGA Championship. “I’m very proud," he said. "To lead a Major is always pretty special. I tied the lead in the Open in 2017 for a hole, so it’s nice to have it a bit longer than that."

Louis keeping cool

Louis Oosthuizen has won a Major. He's also finished second at five of them, including this one in 2015 and last month's US PGA Championship. He goes into the weekend in a share of second and has no doubt what he needs to do to improve that position. "Just keep patient and calm and see if you can get yourself within striking range with nine holes to go on Sunday and then take it from there," he said. Easy game, really.

Rahm feeling familiar

Jon Rahm's six wins on the European Tour come from him winning the same event twice three times. Last month at The Memorial Tournament on the US PGA Tour, he was leading by six with 18 holes to play in his defence of the title before a positive Covid-19 test result saw him have to withdraw. Whether it be the event or the course, Rahm clearly likes to feel comfortable where he is playing. Well, he may not have won the U.S. Open before but he did claim his first professional win at Torrey Pines in 2017. "Having played this course in every possible wind always helps," he said after rounds of 69-70 left him at three under. "And I think just the memory of some putts and some breaks can always help, right? I feel like just the experience on the course in certain moments can always help out." He's two back.

Nice socks Victor

We all know Victor Perez plays without a glove but on Friday he was taking a shot without his shoes. And his feet weren't even getting wet. If it works for you, Victor.

Just the 301 yards......

.....off the deck. Take a bow Brooks Koepka.