World number one Scottie Scheffler finished with back-to-back birdies to hold a share of the lead after the second round of the PGA Tour Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Friday.&nbsp;

Scheffler shot a bogey-free, eight-under-par round of 64 to share top spot on the leaderboard at 11-under with Belgian Thomas Detry and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg.

The American sank a 35-footer to make birdie on the par-3 17th and then followed up with an aggressive approach on the par-5 18th.

"Boring is always nice on the card, keeping a clean card is good," said Scheffler of his avoidance of bogeys on the historic Californian course.

"I felt like I didn't have to struggle for many pars. I kept the golf course in front of me, made some nice puts and hit some quality shots into the greens. I just gave myself a lot of opportunities," he said.

"I did not realize how much it rained overnight. It was really wet. So like on a lot of these back-to-front greens it's a big adjustment going from hitting a pitching wedge to hitting an 8-iron to try to take off spin," he added.

The soft, wet course encouraged players to attack the greens and Aberg certainly took that approach, following up a birdie on the first with an eagle on the par-5 second.

After a thumping 302-yard drive, the 24-year-old landed his approach 35 feet from the hole and sank his putt superbly.

Aberg was outstanding on the greens as he reached the turn on five-under and he added two more birdies on the back nine on the 11th and 14th.

"Obviously got off to a nice start with a couple of long putts, I don't remember the last time I did that, so obviously that's a little bonus. I felt like I kept playing quite well and kept being disciplined, so it was nice," said the Swede.

Aberg, who played college golf in the USA for Texas Tech and turned pro in June, picked up his first win on the PGA Tour in November at the RSM Classic, following up his win on the DP World Tour in Switzerland in September.

That month he grabbed global attention with his excellent performance in Europe's Ryder Cup win over the United States in Italy.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-backs-shubman-gill-despite-shaky-form-compares-to-this-legendary-player-686479">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen backs Shubman Gill despite shaky form, compares to THIS legendary player</a>

<h2>Building on experience</h2>

Aberg said he would draw on those experiences as he searches for his second PGA Tour victory.

"I think any time that you get to win a tournament and feel those emotions coming on the last couple holes and being in the lead and trying to chase down the lead, there's always a lot that you can learn from that," he said.

"I don't try to get too high, not too low, and obviously the experiences that I had last year was a lot of good ones, try to keep building on that and see where that takes us over the weekend," he said.

Overnight leader Detry teed off on 10 and was three-under at the turn but was undone by bogeys on the fourth and fifth as he carded a two-under 70.

"I know my game is really solid, I've been playing some really good golf now for the last couple years, so all I have to do is really trust it and keep building on all these good rounds that I've done under pressure," said the Belgian, who challenged last week at Torrey Pines before a disappointing final two rounds.

Patrick Cantlay recovered from driving out of bounds on the 18th to make par and finish a stroke behind the leading trio after his two-under 70.

American Justin Thomas, who shot a five-under 67, Argentine Emiliano Grillo and France's Matthieu Pavon -- coming off his historic victory at Torrey Pines on Sunday -- were all two shots off the lead.

World number one Scottie Scheffler finished with back-to-back birdies to hold a share of the lead after the second round of the PGA Tour Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Friday.

World number one Scottie Scheffler finished with back-to-back birdies to hold a share of the lead after the second round of the PGA Tour Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Friday. Scheffler shot a bogey-free, eight-under-par round of 64 to share top spot on the leaderboard at 11-under with Belgian Thomas Detry and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg. The American sank a 35-footer to make birdie on the par-3 17th and then followed up with an aggressive approach on the par-5 18th. "Boring is always nice on the card, keeping a clean card is good," said Scheffler of his avoidance of bogeys on the historic Californian course. "I felt like I didn't have to struggle for many pars. I kept the golf course in front of me, made some nice puts and hit some quality shots into the greens. I just gave myself a lot of opportunities," he said. "I did not realize how much it rained overnight. It was really wet. So like on a lot of these back-to-front greens it's a big adjustment going from hitting a pitching wedge to hitting an 8-iron to try to take off spin," he added. The soft, wet course encouraged players to attack the greens and Aberg certainly took that approach, following up a birdie on the first with an eagle on the par-5 second. After a thumping 302-yard drive, the 24-year-old landed his approach 35 feet from the hole and sank his putt superbly. Aberg was outstanding on the greens as he reached the turn on five-under and he added two more birdies on the back nine on the 11th and 14th. "Obviously got off to a nice start with a couple of long putts, I don't remember the last time I did that, so obviously that's a little bonus. I felt like I kept playing quite well and kept being disciplined, so it was nice," said the Swede. Aberg, who played college golf in the USA for Texas Tech and turned pro in June, picked up his first win on the PGA Tour in November at the RSM Classic, following up his win on the DP World Tour in Switzerland in September. That month he grabbed global attention with his excellent performance in Europe's Ryder Cup win over the United States in Italy. ALSO READ | IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen backs Shubman Gill despite shaky form, compares to THIS legendary player Building on experience Aberg said he would draw on those experiences as he searches for his second PGA Tour victory. "I think any time that you get to win a tournament and feel those emotions coming on the last couple holes and being in the lead and trying to chase down the lead, there's always a lot that you can learn from that," he said. "I don't try to get too high, not too low, and obviously the experiences that I had last year was a lot of good ones, try to keep building on that and see where that takes us over the weekend," he said. Overnight leader Detry teed off on 10 and was three-under at the turn but was undone by bogeys on the fourth and fifth as he carded a two-under 70. "I know my game is really solid, I've been playing some really good golf now for the last couple years, so all I have to do is really trust it and keep building on all these good rounds that I've done under pressure," said the Belgian, who challenged last week at Torrey Pines before a disappointing final two rounds. Patrick Cantlay recovered from driving out of bounds on the 18th to make par and finish a stroke behind the leading trio after his two-under 70. American Justin Thomas, who shot a five-under 67, Argentine Emiliano Grillo and France's Matthieu Pavon -- coming off his historic victory at Torrey Pines on Sunday -- were all two shots off the lead.

Golf: Scottie Scheffler shares lead at Pebble Beach with Ludvig Aberg, Thomas Detry

Former world number one amateur Nick Taylor bent but did not break, surviving an error-strewn stretch and whipping winds to win the Pebble Beach Pro-Am by four strokes in California on Sunday.

Taylor set up victory with a chip-in birdie at the 15th hole and was flawless down the stretch to become the first Canadian to win the storied event on the Monterey Peninsula.

<h6><img alt="Cup" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2acfde9b-3fb1-469d-90a1-de0c5d05e622" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_85.jpg" /> 
Nick Taylor raises the trophy for winning the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links| Reuters</h6>

Despite dropping four shots in four holes from the 11th, a two-under-par 70 was enough to fend off Phil Mickelson, in the process becoming the event's first wire-to-wire winner since Mickelson 15 years ago.

"Pebble Beach, I couldn't ask for a better place to have my second win," Taylor told PGA Tour Radio after finishing at 19-under 268 for his second PGA Tour victory in his 160th career start.

"I haven't been in contention as much as I'd like to be but I feel like my game has been really good the last year and hopefully this is a springboard for great things," said the 31-year-old.

Among his rewards will be a first invitation to Augusta National for the Masters in April. He was inspired to pursue golf seriously after watching compatriot Mike Weir win there in 2003.

Despite the comfortable final margin on Sunday, it was not easy for Taylor, who had to go head-to-head with gallery favourite Mickelson.

Mickelson, seeking a record sixth Pebble Beach victory, pulled to within two shots after Taylor double-bogeyed the par-five 14th, but that was as close as the American got on the back nine after having previously fallen five shots behind at the turn.

"That middle stretch on the back nine is really tough," Taylor said.

"Fourteen is a brutal hole. You're just trying to not make a disaster. I made a seven but it almost settled me down a bit.

"Phil made six and I only lost one off the lead but that chip in (at the 15th) was massive to get it back to three."

Mickelson faded to shoot 74 and finish third as fellow American Kevin Streelman (68) grabbed second place.

Former world number one amateur Nick Taylor bent but did not break, surviving an error-strewn stretch and whipping winds to win the Pebble Beach Pro-Am by four strokes in California on Sunday.

Former world number one amateur Nick Taylor bent but did not break, surviving an error-strewn stretch and whipping winds to win the Pebble Beach Pro-Am by four strokes in California on Sunday. Taylor set up victory with a chip-in birdie at the 15th hole and was flawless down the stretch to become the first Canadian to win the storied event on the Monterey Peninsula. Nick Taylor raises the trophy for winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links| Reuters Despite dropping four shots in four holes from the 11th, a two-under-par 70 was enough to fend off Phil Mickelson, in the process becoming the event's first wire-to-wire winner since Mickelson 15 years ago. "Pebble Beach, I couldn't ask for a better place to have my second win," Taylor told PGA Tour Radio after finishing at 19-under 268 for his second PGA Tour victory in his 160th career start. "I haven't been in contention as much as I'd like to be but I feel like my game has been really good the last year and hopefully this is a springboard for great things," said the 31-year-old. Among his rewards will be a first invitation to Augusta National for the Masters in April. He was inspired to pursue golf seriously after watching compatriot Mike Weir win there in 2003. Despite the comfortable final margin on Sunday, it was not easy for Taylor, who had to go head-to-head with gallery favourite Mickelson. Mickelson, seeking a record sixth Pebble Beach victory, pulled to within two shots after Taylor double-bogeyed the par-five 14th, but that was as close as the American got on the back nine after having previously fallen five shots behind at the turn. "That middle stretch on the back nine is really tough," Taylor said. "Fourteen is a brutal hole. You're just trying to not make a disaster. I made a seven but it almost settled me down a bit. "Phil made six and I only lost one off the lead but that chip in (at the 15th) was massive to get it back to three." Mickelson faded to shoot 74 and finish third as fellow American Kevin Streelman (68) grabbed second place.

Golf: Canadian Nick Taylor outplays Mickelson to win at Pebble Beach

Gary Woodland shot out of the US&nbsp;Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Out in the morning wave, overnight leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/records-on-line-as-tiger-woods-justin-rose-target-us-open-227078">Rose </a>set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula.

But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman.

The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US&nbsp;Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday.

Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US&nbsp;Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight.

Only three times in 26 rounds at the US&nbsp;Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card.

For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors.

Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year.

"It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland.

"I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win,"&nbsp;Woodland added.

Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under.

McIlroy, US&nbsp;Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69.

WILD RIDE

The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead.

Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight.

The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention.

"You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy.

"I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament,"&nbsp;McIlroy said.

Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US&nbsp;Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader.

"I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-tiger-woods-chase-history-at-us-open-226739">Koepka.</a>

Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming.

A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major.

"I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are&nbsp;so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish. Out in the morning wave, overnight leader Rose set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula. But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman. The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday. Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight. Only three times in 26 rounds at the US Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card. For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors. Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year. "It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland. "I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win," Woodland added. Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under. McIlroy, US Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69. WILD RIDE The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead. Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight. The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention. "You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy. "I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament," McIlroy said. Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader. "I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused Koepka. Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming. A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major. "I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

US Open: Gary Woodland takes lead over Justin Rose, Tiger Woods fumes

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US&nbsp;Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Rose's six-under-par 65 matched the American's record low round for a US&nbsp;Open contested at the iconic seaside layout and gave the Briton a one-shot lead on a spectacular day of low scoring.

"Obviously a fun day of golf," said Rose, the 2013 US&nbsp;Open champion. "I was three-under par, had a rough patch, had to scramble, work hard, keep my round together.

"I was trying to stay patient with myself mentally, but kept up-and-downing the ball, kept the momentum up. And then got rewarded with a hot finish, birdieing the last three, took a good round to a great round," Rose added.

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-tiger-woods-chase-history-at-us-open-226739">Woods </a>flashed a familiar grimace during a sometimes torturous round on Thursday but it was his play that was proving troublesome, not his surgically repaired back.

The 43-year-old, who claimed his 15th major at the Masters in April, limited the damage from an early double-bogey by hitting back with two birdies and closing with 11 straight pars for a one-under 70.

The former world number one's start was a far cry from his opening to the 2000 tournament when he carded a 65 and romped to a record 15-shot victory.

It was good enough to keep him in contention, however.

"Well, it's just fighting it out and grinding it out," said Woods. "But I still say that it's important to miss the ball in the correct spots.

"Granted, I made a few putts today, but they were all uphill. Hitting the ball in the correct spots, if I happened to not feel comfortable with a number, dump the ball 30, 40 feet, move on about my business," Woods added.

While <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZo5OjwujiAhVUnI8KHSfuA-wQFjACegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q_sqMD0foFmz_DI2NeU0T">Woods </a>saw one of his longstanding marks equalled he has quite a few records within reach.

A win on Sunday would pull him even with Snead for the most career PGA Tour wins at 82 and he would join Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Willie Anderson as winners of the most US&nbsp;Open with four.

Perhaps most importantly, however, it would see him move another step closer to his Holy Grail, Nicklaus's record of 18 career major titles.

For the moment though the only thing on Woods's mind is the next round.

"It's a quick turnaround into tomorrow," said Woods. "Right away we've got a tough par four right from the get-go.''

"And we have the harder side to start off on, and hopefully I can finish up on the front side and have the full seven holes where I can get it going," added Woods.

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Rose's six-under-par 65 matched the American's record low round for a US Open contested at the iconic seaside layout and gave the Briton a one-shot lead on a spectacular day of low scoring. "Obviously a fun day of golf," said Rose, the 2013 US Open champion. "I was three-under par, had a rough patch, had to scramble, work hard, keep my round together. "I was trying to stay patient with myself mentally, but kept up-and-downing the ball, kept the momentum up. And then got rewarded with a hot finish, birdieing the last three, took a good round to a great round," Rose added. Woods flashed a familiar grimace during a sometimes torturous round on Thursday but it was his play that was proving troublesome, not his surgically repaired back. The 43-year-old, who claimed his 15th major at the Masters in April, limited the damage from an early double-bogey by hitting back with two birdies and closing with 11 straight pars for a one-under 70. The former world number one's start was a far cry from his opening to the 2000 tournament when he carded a 65 and romped to a record 15-shot victory. It was good enough to keep him in contention, however. "Well, it's just fighting it out and grinding it out," said Woods. "But I still say that it's important to miss the ball in the correct spots. "Granted, I made a few putts today, but they were all uphill. Hitting the ball in the correct spots, if I happened to not feel comfortable with a number, dump the ball 30, 40 feet, move on about my business," Woods added. While Woods saw one of his longstanding marks equalled he has quite a few records within reach. A win on Sunday would pull him even with Snead for the most career PGA Tour wins at 82 and he would join Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Willie Anderson as winners of the most US Open with four. Perhaps most importantly, however, it would see him move another step closer to his Holy Grail, Nicklaus's record of 18 career major titles. For the moment though the only thing on Woods's mind is the next round. "It's a quick turnaround into tomorrow," said Woods. "Right away we've got a tough par four right from the get-go.'' "And we have the harder side to start off on, and hopefully I can finish up on the front side and have the full seven holes where I can get it going," added Woods.

Records on line as Tiger Woods, Justin Rose target US Open

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major.

Pebble Beach, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558">Woods won the first of his three US Opens in 2000 </a>with a breathtaking 12-under par total and a crushing 15-stroke margin, is a vastly different player now at 43 and with spinal fusion surgery behind him.

But he cemented his return to golf's elite with his 15th major win at the US Masters in April.

He has risen to fifth in the world rankings led by Koepka, who has won four majors in less than two years -&nbsp;back-to-back US Opens in 2017 and 2018 and back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and last month at Bethpage Black.

With his win at Shinnecock Hills, last year Koepka became the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to win the conecutive US Opens.

Willie Anderson, from 1903-05, is the only player to have won three straight.

"I'm not thinking about it," Koepka said of his treble chance. "I know the odds are stacked up probably even more against me now. It's hard to win the same event three times in a row."

But he likes the idea of pursuing history at Pebble, where prior editions have produced champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and, of course, Woods.

The beauty of Pebble Beach's coastal views can distract from the challenge it presents, especially with the pinched fairways and deep rough of a US Open.

"The rough is definitely going to be a factor this week. Very juicy. You need to put the ball in the fairways," Koepka said.

"These greens are so small, you can almost put it in the centre of every green and have 20 feet, no matter where the flagstick is. It really comes down to who's going to make putts,"&nbsp;Koepka said.

Woods said the 7,075-yard, par-71 course is playing similarly to the last time it hosted the US Open in 2010 when Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won.

"We're all going to be playing from virtually the same spots, and especially if it dries out," Woods said.

"How you put the ball in the correct position is key... We don't have greens like this, this small and steep, so it puts a premium on iron play."

'What's not to like?' 
 
Koepka is scheduled to tee off at 1:47 pm (2047 GMT) alongside British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and US Amateur champion Viktor Hovland of Norway.

Woods tees off at 2:09 pm alongside former US Open winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose.

Early starters include Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson.

McIlroy, who goes off the 10th tee with Spain's Jon Rahm and Australian Marc Leishman at 7:51 am, is seeking to add to his tally of four majors for the first time since 2014.

The Northern Ireland star is riding high after a seven-shot victory romp at the Canadian Open on Sunday, his second win of the season after the Players Championship.

Johnson, who was leading at Pebble in 2010 when he ballooned to a final-round 82, tees it up alongside that year's winner McDowell and Mickelson -&nbsp;a five-time major winner still seeking to complete the career grand slam with a first US Open title.

Johnson has won the US PGA Tour's Pebble Beach National Pro-am twice and finished runner-up twice. Despite his disappointment in the 2010 US Open, he remains a fan of the course and a favourite to contend.

"What's not to like. The golf course is fantastic from start to finish," Johnson said.

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major.

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major. Pebble Beach, where Woods won the first of his three US Opens in 2000 with a breathtaking 12-under par total and a crushing 15-stroke margin, is a vastly different player now at 43 and with spinal fusion surgery behind him. But he cemented his return to golf's elite with his 15th major win at the US Masters in April. He has risen to fifth in the world rankings led by Koepka, who has won four majors in less than two years - back-to-back US Opens in 2017 and 2018 and back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and last month at Bethpage Black. With his win at Shinnecock Hills, last year Koepka became the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to win the conecutive US Opens. Willie Anderson, from 1903-05, is the only player to have won three straight. "I'm not thinking about it," Koepka said of his treble chance. "I know the odds are stacked up probably even more against me now. It's hard to win the same event three times in a row." But he likes the idea of pursuing history at Pebble, where prior editions have produced champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and, of course, Woods. The beauty of Pebble Beach's coastal views can distract from the challenge it presents, especially with the pinched fairways and deep rough of a US Open. "The rough is definitely going to be a factor this week. Very juicy. You need to put the ball in the fairways," Koepka said. "These greens are so small, you can almost put it in the centre of every green and have 20 feet, no matter where the flagstick is. It really comes down to who's going to make putts," Koepka said. Woods said the 7,075-yard, par-71 course is playing similarly to the last time it hosted the US Open in 2010 when Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won. "We're all going to be playing from virtually the same spots, and especially if it dries out," Woods said. "How you put the ball in the correct position is key... We don't have greens like this, this small and steep, so it puts a premium on iron play." 'What's not to like?' Koepka is scheduled to tee off at 1:47 pm (2047 GMT) alongside British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and US Amateur champion Viktor Hovland of Norway. Woods tees off at 2:09 pm alongside former US Open winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose. Early starters include Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson. McIlroy, who goes off the 10th tee with Spain's Jon Rahm and Australian Marc Leishman at 7:51 am, is seeking to add to his tally of four majors for the first time since 2014. The Northern Ireland star is riding high after a seven-shot victory romp at the Canadian Open on Sunday, his second win of the season after the Players Championship. Johnson, who was leading at Pebble in 2010 when he ballooned to a final-round 82, tees it up alongside that year's winner McDowell and Mickelson - a five-time major winner still seeking to complete the career grand slam with a first US Open title. Johnson has won the US PGA Tour's Pebble Beach National Pro-am twice and finished runner-up twice. Despite his disappointment in the 2010 US Open, he remains a fan of the course and a favourite to contend. "What's not to like. The golf course is fantastic from start to finish," Johnson said.

Brooks Koepka, Tiger Woods chase history at US Open

Much has changed since <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1P-DbD8H2wHkPwrHPiCMiH">Tiger Woods</a> romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US&nbsp;Open at scenic Pebble Beach.

In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding.

However, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has remained pretty much unchanged and so has Woods' strategy as the US&nbsp;Open returns to the breath-taking coastal California course.

"That part really hasn't changed that much," said Woods during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. Because of the golf ball is going further than it did back in 2000, I'm slower than I was in 2000. I am about the same distance, so the golf course really doesn't play that much differently for me,'' Woods said.

"It's just a matter of putting the ball in the right spots," Woods added.

Before things turn serious with start of first-round play on Thursday, Woods allowed himself a pleasant stroll down memory lane as he recalled what is arguably the greatest performance in the game's history.

At the height of his powers, a then 24-year-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-to-play-memorial-ahead-of-us-open-221390&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0DzAVedIRFPS3vHi2gznAm">Woods </a>demolished the field with a tournament for the ages.

He won his first US&nbsp;Open by what remains the biggest winning margin in major championship golf.

"It's crazy. It's been 19 years. I still remember most of the shots I hit that week. It was just one of those weeks where I don't know how I pulled it off, but on seaside poa annua, I never missed a putt inside 10 feet for a week. It happened to be a very special week. I made everything. And not only that, I was hitting it well. And when I did miss it, I missed it in all the correct spots," reminisced Woods.

Now 43, Woods has reached the stage of his career where each victory carries more significance.

In April, the former world number one completed one of the sport's great all-time comebacks when he ended an 11-year major title drought with an inspiring win at the Masters.

A win on Sunday would give <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-primed-for-us-open-after-solid-finish-at-memorial-223819&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjAFegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ivFoQm2f890DkOhkETBjT">Woods </a>his 82nd PGA Tour title and leave him two shy of Jack Nicklaus's major record of 18.

Even if he fails to achieve either of those milestones this week, a buoyant Woods reckons time is still on his side with 10 years and 40 majors left to achieve his Holy Grail.

"If I keep progressing how I am physically and how I'm getting better and better physically the last couple of years, I just need to give myself chances. Hypothetically, let's say I give myself 10 years," said Woods.

"That's 40 major championships. That's a lot of majors," added Woods.

Much has changed since Tiger Woods romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US Open at scenic Pebble Beach. In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding.

Much has changed since Tiger Woods romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US Open at scenic Pebble Beach. In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding. However, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has remained pretty much unchanged and so has Woods' strategy as the US Open returns to the breath-taking coastal California course. "That part really hasn't changed that much," said Woods during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. Because of the golf ball is going further than it did back in 2000, I'm slower than I was in 2000. I am about the same distance, so the golf course really doesn't play that much differently for me,'' Woods said. "It's just a matter of putting the ball in the right spots," Woods added. Before things turn serious with start of first-round play on Thursday, Woods allowed himself a pleasant stroll down memory lane as he recalled what is arguably the greatest performance in the game's history. At the height of his powers, a then 24-year-old Woods demolished the field with a tournament for the ages. He won his first US Open by what remains the biggest winning margin in major championship golf. "It's crazy. It's been 19 years. I still remember most of the shots I hit that week. It was just one of those weeks where I don't know how I pulled it off, but on seaside poa annua, I never missed a putt inside 10 feet for a week. It happened to be a very special week. I made everything. And not only that, I was hitting it well. And when I did miss it, I missed it in all the correct spots," reminisced Woods. Now 43, Woods has reached the stage of his career where each victory carries more significance. In April, the former world number one completed one of the sport's great all-time comebacks when he ended an 11-year major title drought with an inspiring win at the Masters. A win on Sunday would give Woods his 82nd PGA Tour title and leave him two shy of Jack Nicklaus's major record of 18. Even if he fails to achieve either of those milestones this week, a buoyant Woods reckons time is still on his side with 10 years and 40 majors left to achieve his Holy Grail. "If I keep progressing how I am physically and how I'm getting better and better physically the last couple of years, I just need to give myself chances. Hypothetically, let's say I give myself 10 years," said Woods. "That's 40 major championships. That's a lot of majors," added Woods.

Tiger Woods takes a stroll down memory lane of 15-stroke victory at 2000 US Open