Gregory Bourdy hoping to grab French attention

Euro 2016 may be the centre of attention in France, but Gregory Bourdy is hoping some of his countrymen will be persuaded to turn their eyes to Oakmont after he moved into contention at the U.S. Open.

Bourdy spent time at the top of the leaderboard and threatened to at least equal the record-low score in majors of 63 as he recorded five birdies and an eagle in round two on Saturday.

The world number 126 dropped three shots over the closing three holes to reach the halfway point of the tournament on two under. A 67 left him two behind leader Dustin Johnson, but still very much in the hunt.

Asked if he thought people in France could be tempted to watch golf instead of the European Championship, Bourdy replied: "I hope so. I hope so. I think, like me, all the French people support our players. So I think out there I've got some people in France to watch the weekend."

Bourdy has never finished in the top 25 at a major, but believes he could spring a shock by claiming victory this week.

"Of course, it's possible," he said. "I know it's possible so that's the main thing. And then we'll see. I can't say anymore.

"I knew at the beginning of this week, I could do something well. I feel very good in my game the last few weeks, and I really love the difficulty of this course. I can play some great tee shots, good irons. And today, I holed some putts as well.

"The feeling is nice. It's one of the biggest tournaments in the world with the biggest field. So it's good to be at the top, and I'll do my best to be at the top on Sunday."