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McIlroy Sets U.S. Open Record For Best Score After 36 Holes

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) -- Rory McIlroy shot 5-under 66 at the U.S. Open on Friday to finish at 11-under 131, setting the record for the best score after 36 holes in the 111-year history of the tournament.

McIlroy's 131 was a shot better than Ricky Barnes, who set the record at Bethpage in 2009.

After birdies at 16 and 17, McIlroy was at 13-under par -- breaking a record held by Tiger Woods and Gil Morgan for the lowest score ever at any point in U.S. Open history.

But he missed the fairway on 18 and knocked his second shot into the lake left of the green. He made double bogey to finish at 11 under.

Despite the bad ending, McIlroy still held an eight-shot lead over Y.E. Yang, who had an afternoon tee time.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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