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Shane Lowry is relishing being in contention for a maiden major title after making the cut in the US Open for the first time.
The Irishman missed the cut at Congressional in 2011 and Pinehurst last year, but he is finding Chambers Bay more to his liking as he added a second round of 70 to his opening 69 to reach one under at the halfway stage.
"I was going along nicely and missed a great chance on 12," Lowry said after a round containing three birdies, one bogey and a double bogey. "I thought if I hit a great putt there to get to three under for the tournament I would have been cruising.
It's a bit early to be talking about winning. There's lots of golf to be played yet, so I need to just keep doing my own thing
"Then I felt I got unlucky on 14 and just pulled my second shot. Got an awful lie in the bunker and ended up making double from there.
"I hit a great shot into 15, great shot into 16 (without making birdie) and made a great putt for par for 17 from 10 feet. That was massive in regards to the whole round and then I went on to birdie the last, which was nice.
"It was one of those days that I'm quite happy with. It could have been a little bit better, but I'm in a great position for the weekend.
"The good thing for me is I'm feeling a bit more comfortable on the greens. Not 100 per cent, but I'm liking what I'm doing and liking the way I'm hitting my putts.
"It's a bit early to be talking about winning. There's lots of golf to be played yet, so I need to just keep doing my own thing. I'm driving the ball well. My iron play is good. My putting is getting to where I want it. You never know what can happen on Sunday.
"I felt quite in control of myself all day yesterday and today. It feels good to be here and feeling like the way I felt the last couple of days.
"I was in control of myself, my emotions and everything. I just need to keep that intact the next few days."
