Rory McIlroy found himself in a good position after the first two days of the US Open at Pinehurst No.2, just two shots behind the leader, Ludvig Aberg. His powerful drives off the tee set him up for precise shots needed to navigate the challenging greens. However, it was surprising to see amateur Luke Clanton outdriving the four-time Major winner at the tournament.
Clanton, a Florida State amateur, had an average driving distance of 331.3 yards over his first two rounds, putting him ahead of McIlroy, who averaged 328.1 yards. Only Cameron Young and Bryson DeChambeau had longer average driving distances than Clanton, with DeChambeau leading the pack at 334.7 yards. In a remarkable feat, Clanton even outdrove DeChambeu in the first round.
While driving distance is important, the US Open at Pinehurst No.2 requires players to excel in all aspects of their game. McIlroy showcased his skills on Friday, making impressive shots to stay competitive in the tight contest. Despite Clanton’s incredible driving distances, his rounds of 76 and 69 helped him make the cut, unlike some big names in the game who missed out.
Clanton, who qualified for the tournament through final qualifying, is one of only three amateurs heading into the weekend. He starts the third round 10 shots off the lead and eight behind McIlroy. While it may be a challenge for him to move up the leaderboard, his remarkable driving ability could continue to impress as the tournament progresses.
The top 10 average driving distances at the US Open after rounds one and two showcase the impressive power of some players. Bryson DeChambeau leads the pack with an average of 334.7 yards, followed by Cameron Young and Luke Clanton. Clanton’s performance among the top players highlights his potential to make a mark in the tournament despite the tough competition.
As the US Open at Pinehurst No.2 unfolds, fans will be eager to see how Clanton and other top players navigate the challenges of the course. With McIlroy and Clanton showcasing their skills, the tournament promises exciting moments and impressive displays of golf prowess. Stay tuned for more updates on the US Open and the performances of these talented players.