Furyk had a four-birdie, bogey-free round in the morning for a 66 and a two-day total of 7-under 133, the best 36-hole score in U.S. Open history by a shot. Later in the day, Singh joined him when he singed the course for seven birdies and an eagle and posted an Open record-tying round of 63, also held by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller.

Miller's 8-under mark was the best in relation to par, achieved at the '73 Open at par-71 Oakmont. Singh, a two-time major champion, was 7 under yesterday on this par-70 venue, with two bogeys on his card and one heckler on his case who was escorted off the course.

"I didn't notice anything," Singh insisted of an incident at the 14th green yesterday. According to a witness, as Singh walked toward the putting surface, a man in the stands yelled, "I think Annika (Sorenstam) could have put it in," a reference to Singh's criticism of Sorenstam's participation in the Colonial three weeks ago in Fort Worth.

When the fan was ordered to leave the stands, Singh acknowledged the crowd's support for him by waving his putter aloft, but when asked about it later, he insisted, "I was waving it at my caddie ... I hit a good tee shot on 14. I hit an 8-iron, made the (four-foot) putt and went to the next hole. I didn't know there was anything."

Tiger Woods watches his chip on the 18th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open at the Olympia Fields Country Club. Associated Press

"It's a little bit easier to score when you're in the fairway," said Woods, who used his driver only at the first and last holes, preferring to hit 3-wood or 2-iron off the tee on a dozen other holes. "I drove the ball pretty well and gave myself some chances. Plus, I felt so comfortable with my swing."

The two co-leaders' closest pursuers were Australian Stephen Leaney (68) and 25-year-old American Jonathan Byrd (66), who finished eighth at the Masters in April. Both came in with 5-under totals of 135. Woods was in a five-way tie for fifth place at 4-under 136 in a group that also included Nick Price (66) and Justin Leonard (70).

Several more big-name players also were within striking distance. Tom Watson, whose stirring 65 made him a co-leader Thursday, faltered with a 2-over 72 but remained in contention at 3-under 137. Ernie Els (70), a two-time Open champion, was at 1-under 139. And Phil Mickelson (70), aiming to end an 0-for-43 majors streak, and Masters champion Mike Weir (67) were in a group of nine at even-par 140.

All of them were walking a course that's playing far easier than many had expected. Rain Tuesday helped soften the greens. Also, the forgiving four-inch rough is allowing players to make aggressive swings and actually get their approach shots on or close to the greens after errant tee shots.

There were 38 sub-par scores yesterday (the record for a second round is 47), and the field's 71.9 scoring average marked the lowest scoring second round in history.

"It's just that the greens are so soft," Woods said after his round. "I hit a shot on No. 9 ... hit a 6-iron in there and it only rolls two and a half, three feet. You never see that in a U.S. Open. Most times, you hit that same shot; it's out of here."

Unless those conditions change on the weekend, Woods' record 12-under 272 total set at Pebble Beach in 2000 might be in serious jeopardy. Still, U.S. Golf Association tournament director Fred Ridley said today he's not bothered.