Vijay Singh was determined to focus on his U.S. Open charge after ignoring the barracking of a spectator during his scintillating second round 63 at the U.S. Open yesterday.
Singh equalled the best ever Open score for a single round, which left the Fijian tied for the lead alongside American Jim Furyk on seven-under-par 133.
But his beautiful display of attacking golf was marred by an incident on the 14th hole, when a member of the grandstand shouted out a reference to women's world number one Annika Sorenstam.
Singh has faced a lot of recent criticism for his outspoken views against Sorenstam's decision to enter a PGA Tour event - the Colonial - in Texas, and his detractors are loathe to let him forget the controversial issue.
Singh, on the other hand, shrugged off the potential flashpoint to claim a birdie on the hole before the heckler left the scene as stewards were set to eject him.
"I didn't notice anything," said the two-time major winner. "I want to focus on the Open ... (The media) has made a lot (of the Sorenstam issue). I don't read too many newspapers, I just don't let things like that bother me. I have made mypoint."
When asked about his apparent gesture with his putter towards the spectator, Singh said: "I was waving at my caddie."
The 40-year-old was given warm support elsewhere on the Olympia Fields course as his stunning play helped build a rapport with the galleries.
After an eagle at the par-five first, he went on to claim seven birdies - including five in six holes on the back nine - on his way to a tie for the lead, following his level-par 70 on the opening day.
Darren Clarke is six off the pace after a 69 left the Ulsterman on one-under. Padraig Harrington was two shots further back after his two-over 72 left him on the wrong side of par on one-over.
Tiger Woods is very much in contention after workmanlike 66 brought the world number one and defending champion to with three shots of the leading duo.