McIlroy Off to Record-Breaking Start at U.S. Open

By - Kris Fletcher

Rory McIlroy shot a 5-under 66 at the U.S. Open on Friday to finish at 11-under 131, setting the record for the best score after 36 holes in the 111-year history of the tournament.

Image from: businessinsider.com

His 131 was a shot better than Ricky Barnes, who set the record at Bethpage back in 2009.

After birdies at 16 and 17, McIlroy was at 13-under par, breaking a record held by Tiger Woods and Gil Morgan for the lowest score ever at any point in U.S. Open history. However, he missed the fairway on 18 and knocked his second shot into the water. He made double bogey to finish at 11-under.

Despite the bad finish, McIlroy still holds an six-shot lead over Y.E. Yang, and a nine-shot lead over five other players.

The question now is, can he hold off the field to win the title, or will he cough up the lead like he did at this year's Masters?

Guess we'll have our answer in 36 more holes.

UPDATE: McIlroy held on alright, finishing at a record-breaking 16-under par. The previous record of 12-under had been held by Tiger Woods.