England's Richard Bland carded a four-under 67 to join America's Russell Henley at the top of the US Open second round standings ©Getty Images


World number 115 Richard Bland became the oldest man to lead the US Open at the halfway stage after producing a stunning second round to join Russell Henley of the United States at the top of the standings at Torrey Pines in San Diego. 

The 48-year-old Englishman made history at the 121-year-old tournament when he shot a four-under 67 to become the co-leader on five under.

Henley, who shared top spot with South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen at the start of the day, looked set to take the outright lead only to score a bogey on the 18th hole.

The American carded a one-under 70 to share the lead with Bland who was playing in the event for only for the second time and is making his fourth appearance at a major.

Bland claimed his first European Tour victory last month when he captured the British Masters crown and now finds himself leading the US Open.

"I'm very proud," Bland said.

"To lead a major is always pretty special.

"I tied the lead in the Open in 2017 for a hole, so it's nice to have it a bit longer than that.

"I was coming here off a couple of good results, a win and a third in Europe.

"I've been driving the ball well for five, six weeks now, which is the cornerstone if you're going to put up a fight for a US Open.

Russell Henley remains the joint leader after 36 holes at the US Open ©Getty Images
Russell Henley remains the joint leader after 36 holes at the US Open ©Getty Images

"When I saw this place on Monday, it kind of set up to my eye.

"It's all there just straight in front of me, and that's the kind of golf course I like.

"It’s great to look on the European Tour website and see that ‘1’ by my name.

"But I want more.

"Every golfer wants more."

After failing to finish his first round on a fog-affected opening day, Oosthuizen started today with two pars to cap off a 67 to share the lead with Henley.

The South African then scored two birdies and two bogeys to remain on the same score, one shot behind Bland and Henley.

American Matthew Wolff, runner-up at last year’s US Open, has moved into contention again after carding a 68 to join Oosthuizen on four under.

"It’s awesome that I came out here and played well, but I think more importantly, I’m just getting closer to being more comfortable and being happy and enjoying it," Wolff said.

"I feel like I’ve done a very good job of enjoying it, but I’ve still got a long way to go to keep a level head."

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson of the US and Spaniard Jon Rahm are one shot further back on three under.

In total, 12 players are under par after 36 holes with another eight at even-par heading into the third round.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow.