Rickie Fowler sets US Open record with 62, Xander Schauffle equals mark 30 minutes later
Rickie Fowler set the US Open record with an 8-under 62 at Los Angeles Country Club, setting the pace for a day of remarkable scoring in the major known as the toughest test in golf.
Fowler's 62 matched the major championship record. Branden Grace had a 62 in the third round at Royal Birkdale in the 2017 British Open.
Even more remarkable about Fowler's score is he had two bogeys on this card on the 11th and 17th holes, the front nine of what turned out to be a record round.
READ MORE: Moment that 'scared' Joey as Origin nightmare returns
READ MORE: Smith injury rocks Aussie camp on eve of Ashes
READ MORE: Storm star lifts lid on 'toughest' battle
His 15-foot birdie on the 18th hole was the start of four straight birdies.
Rickie Fowler of the United States plays his shot from the seventh tee. Getty
He got the record by two-putting from just inside 60 feet for par on the ninth hole.
The record comes on the 50-year anniversary of Johnny Miller becoming the first player to shoot 63 in a US Open, in the final round at Oakmont. Five others have shot 63 in the US Open since then, most recently Tommy Fleetwood in the final round at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.
Unfortunately for Fowler, his name won't stand alone in the record books. Xander Schauffele hit a bogey-free 62, with the Californian making five birdies on the back nine.
Both men have put himself in prime position to challenge for the US Open trophy.
Fowler's last big win was 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
He has come close at Majors many times in the past, notably in 2014 when he finished inside the top-five at all four majors - the first man in history to achieve that feat.
Schauffele currently ranks sixth in the world and is looking for his first major victory this week after 10 major top-10s since 2017.
US Masters 2023 in pictures: Jon Rahm's incredible prediction 10 years before triumph
