McDowell - A brutal test

Graeme McDowell reflected on a "brutal test of golf" after remaining firmly in contention for his second US Open title in three years.

2010 champion delighted to be in the mix again

Graeme McDowell reflected on a "brutal test of golf" after remaining firmly in contention for his second US Open title in three years at the halfway stage. The Pebble Beach champion added a 72 to his opening 69 and will go into the weekend on one-over, although he should have been better placed having dropped three shots in his last four holes. McDowell's four birdies were offset with six bogeys overall, but he is delighted with his position heading into "moving day" at the Olympic Club. "It's just tough to have fun out there, I've got to be honest with you. It's just a brutal test of golf," he said. "I'm disappointed to bogey three of the last four, but that's what this golf course can do to you in a heartbeat. "But if you had offered me one over par starting on the first tee on Thursday I would have probably snapped your arm off for it. "I'm very happy to be where I am. I made enough birdies to kind of offset some mistakes, which I think is key. If you can make some birdies on this golf course, it really gives you a little bit of a cushion."