Rory McIlroy finds his groove on front nine to stay firmly in the mix at US Open

• McIlroy posts a second-round 67 to move to eight under
• Brooks Koepka slams LA Country Club course after shooting 69

In late May, Rory McIlroy departed Oak Hill and the US PGA Championship having conceded he arrived at the major carrying little hope of success. This was quite an admission from an individual who has pursued trophies as routine since childhood.

What a difference three weeks make. I started thinking about winning this thing when I came here on Monday," said a revitalised McIlroy. A second round of 67 at the LA Country Club, added to day one's 65, leaves him eight under par and perfectly positioned for a tilt at major number five. By close of play on day two, McIlroy sat two adrift of Rickie Fowler, the latter backing up a record-breaking 62 with a 68.