Sam Burns did what many people would deem impossible on Friday at the 2025 US Open. Burns claimed the 36-hole lead at Oakmont Country Club with a five-under 65, the best round of the tournament through two rounds. Burns holds a one-shot lead over 18-hole leader JJ Spaun, who dropped two shots after his opening-round 66.

Sam Burns earned the halfway lead at the U.S. Open on Friday to boost his hopes of a major breakthrough at Oakmont Country Club, where Rory McIlroy battled late to make the weekend and holder Bryson DeChambeau missed the cut.

There's no such thing as a quick 18 holes at the U.S. Open, particularly when it's at Oakmont. Players needed more than 5 1/2 hours or more to get through each of the opening two rounds, much slower than what they might find at a regular tour stop.

U.S. Open heads for the weekend on Saturday morning at Oakmont Country Club, and there are some surprising names atop the leaderboard. Americans Sam Burns and J.J. Spaun lead the way at 3 under and 2 under,

Burns avoids the late meltdown that cost him in the first round and has a one-shot lead after a long day that saw defending champ Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson miss the cut. Scottie

All three were between seven and eight shots behind the leader, and all were in danger of being cut Friday. The U.S. Open remains golf’s cruelest test.

From an overhead view, the sight is somewhat jarring. The Pennsylvania Turnpike essentially cuts Oakmont's golf course in half.

The rules of golf can be complex but at this week's U.S. Open an interactive artificial intelligence avatar is offering a glimpse into how golfers can get instant answers to questions, even what to do if you encounter an alligator on the course.