Lee Westwood is looking to take the momentum from a strong finish in round two into his third circuit of Oakmont Country Club as he seeks a first Major Championship at the US Open.
The Englishman opened with a 67 but - like the rest of his half of the draw - could not begin his second round until Saturday morning with the weather delays on Thursday causing disruption to the schedule.
He admitted he was struggling with his swing on the range but began in excellent fashion as birdies on the first and fourth moved him into the lead before six bogeys in nine holes from the sixth threatened to derail his round.
The 43 year old does not have 23 European Tour wins for nothing, though, and birdies on the 16th and 18th got him back to within three shots of the lead at one under, and he is now hoping to kick-on again.
"I didn't hit the ball very well," he said. "I struggled on the range this morning to find my swing and really couldn't find it all day today on the golf course until the last hole.
"I feel like I got a little feeling there. Maybe I'll find it for the third round.
"It was a professional round of 72. The mistakes I made weren't killers, weren't disastrous. They were only bogeys and then I finished strongly with two birdies on the last three holes.
The way I played today, I could have blown myself out of the championship. So it was good to grind it out, be under par, be in the red, and have a chance at the weekend - Lee Westwood
Shane Lowry is a shot ahead of Westwood at two under as he made two birdies on his own back nine to sign for a level par 70.
That was two shots worse than his opening round but, with conditions faster and firmer than on days one and two, the Irishman was pleased with his effort.
"It's as good, if not better," he said. "It was very tough today. I'm very happy with the way I hit the ball. My putter feels good in my hands as well. I'm happy with the way my game is going into this afternoon.
"Four bogeys in two rounds around here is pretty good. I'm happy with the way I've been playing. I'm looking forward to getting out there this evening.
"I'm sure it's going to be quite tough. We'll see how it goes."
