It is not a scenario that David Lingmerth has been in before, but being among the contenders for the US PGA Championship title heading into the weekend does not faze the Swede.

Lingmerth carded a two-under 70 on Friday to head into the clubhouse as leader, with a sizeable chasing pack not far behind.

Having won at Memorial in June, Lingmerth has experience of going the distance on the PGA Tour, but is "very excited" to have a shot at major glory with two rounds to play.

"I haven't really been in this situation in a major before, but I have got some practice in the regular events and hopefully that can help me," the 28-year-old, who sits at seven under, told Sky Sports. "I'm just very excited to hopefully have a chance."

On a day when Hiroshi Iwata carded 63 – equalling the record for the lowest round at a major – Lingmerth confirmed the conditions were more favourable than on Thursday, but he still had to battle to go under par, with his scorecard showing a double and four bogeys.

"The wind was a little easier to play in," Lingmerth, who birdied the last, explained. "There's some scores out there to be had. As you see, though, the double and the bogeys set me back a little bit.

"I had to really fight to get an under-par score out there, but I'm happy with the way I finished and looking forward to an exciting weekend hopefully.

"The putter's been really good to me, this week especially. When I won at Memorial it was great. It's been a little bit streaky, but right now I'm feeling great about it so hopefully I can keep rolling it well on the green.

"You're very happy with a [par] four on 18 and I would have been happy too. It was just nice to see that one drop. That's stealing at least half a shot on the field."

Lingmerth faces stiff competition from a host of familiar names who have put themselves in contention, including Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and Jason Day.