By Jack Clark

Pro golf correspondent

Brendan Steele posted two sub-par rounds Thursday and Friday to climb into a tie for 13th place at 4 under par, only three shots off the lead at the halfway point of the U.S. Open.

The native Idyllwilder used five birdies and an eagle on Thursday, against six bogeys to post a 1-under-par 71, and on Friday he carded seven birdies against four bogeys to score a 3-under-par 69. Thursday’s eagle came at the 330-yard, par-4 2nd hole, when he drained a green-side chip.

Brendan tees off tomorrow, Saturday, at 11:23 a.m. PDT. He'll play with Marc Lieshman.

Jack can be reached at [email protected].