Justin Rose was thrilled with his day's work after moving into US PGA Championship contention at Oakland Hills.
Rose shot four birdies and a bogey for a second-round 67 to move to even par for the tournament at the halfway stage - just one shot back from the USA's JB Holmes, who grabbed the overnight lead at the halfway stage of the year's final major with a r
ound of 68, one under for the tournament.
"I'm ecstatic with that round of golf," said Rose.
American Ben Curtis also improved on an opening 73 with a 67 - and those two were joined by Korean-born American Charlie Wi, who posted a second consecutive level-par 70.
A shot further back on one over are David Toms, the 2001 PGA champion who carded a 69, and Sweden's Henrik Stenson - thanks to a 70.
Rose carded a three-over-par, opening-round 73 on Thursday but got the bit between his teeth during his early start to round two.
England's Ryder Cup hopeful - currently occupying the 10th and final automatic qualifying spot on the points lists - was as delighted with his scoring as he was to have finished his round early in the day, with the breeze stiffening.
"Three under par in those conditions was more than I could have hoped for. I know Ben Curtis shot three under too - but the average score today is going to be very, very high.
"Guys are going to have a hard time this afternoon, so I'm glad to be done."
First round co-leaders Robert Karlsson and India's Jeev Milkha Singh both started later in the day - with the Swede struggling badly to a 77 that leaves him at five over heading into the weekend. Singh, though, remains in contention following a four-over 74, two over for the tournament.
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