U.S. Open -- Day 2 Wrap-Up

There were a number of short thunderstorms this afternoon, so there are still a very small number of groups that haven't finished the second round. To be honest, none of these people matters. At this point, the only thing that matters is whether Rory McIlroy can finally capture the major title that his talents clearly merit. If he does, and given that he's only 22 years old, then I think he may make a run at Nicklaus's major record himself.

Jeff Overton went 72+72=144 and is only two over par and in a tie for 33d place. He made the cut.

Chris Williams of Moscow, Idaho went 76+73=149, which left him in a tie for 97th. He missed the cut, but he will feel good about his effort.

Other players of interest who are projected to miss the cut include Rickey Fowler, Hunter Mahan, Paul Casey (ENG), Stewart Cink (who shot 70 yesterday and 77 today), Ian Poulter (ENG), Ernie Els (RSA), David Toms, Jim Furyk, Angel Cabrera (ARG), and K.J. Choi (KOR).

Here are scores of prominent players who will likely make the cut but who are out of the top 10: Charl Schwartzel (RSA) and Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) are both at even par; Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood (ENG) are at one over; Padraig Harrington (IRE), Martin Kaymer (GER), and Steve Stricker are at two over; Retief Goosen (RSA), Dustin Johnson, Luke Donald (ENG), Bubba Watson and Anthony Kim are all at four over.

Here is the leaderboard:

1. R. McIlroy (NIR): -11 (65+66=131)

2. Y.E. Yang (KOR): -5 (68+69=137)

T3. R. Garrigus: -2 (70+70=140)

T3. B. Snedeker: -2 (70+70=140)

T3. M. Kuchar: -2 (72+68=140)

T3. Z. Johnson: -2 (71+69=140)

T3. S. Garcia (ESP): -2 (69+71=140)

T8. A. Quiros (ESP): -1 (70+71=141)

T8. R. Palmer: -1 (69+72=141)

T8. K. Kim (KOR): -1 (69+72=141)

T8. R. Rock (ENG): -1 (70+71=141)

T8. H. Slocum: -1 (71+70=141)

T8. D. Love III: -1 (70+71=141)

T8. B. Jobe: -1 (71+70=141)

Oh, and coverage tomorrow will be delayed as Smart Mom and Number 3 Son will be joining Number 2 Son, Smart Girl, and myself at Congressional.