The 2026 PGA Championship is underway at Aronimink Golf Club, and the second round is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. With the wind howling and players struggling, the leaderboard is filled with surprises and dramatic moments. Here's a breakdown of the action and my thoughts on the day's events.
Scheffler's Struggles and Success
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and world No. 1, started the day with a bang, but also experienced some setbacks. He birdied the par-3 17th, his eighth hole, to get back to 1 under for the championship. However, he also made a bogey at the par-4 10th, his 10th hole, after hitting his tee shot into the left rough and hacking out short of the green. Despite these challenges, Scheffler's ability to hole long putts and his overall performance on the greens kept him in the mix.
The Rise of Alex Smalley
Alex Smalley, who started on the back nine, birdied Nos. 16 and 18 to turn in 33. He's the first player to reach 5 under this week and leads by two strokes. Smalley's back-to-back birdies were a highlight, showcasing his skill and consistency. It's fascinating to see how he's been able to maintain his focus and execute under pressure.
The Wind's Impact
The wind played a significant role in the round, affecting players' shots and scores. Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa, and Shane Lowry all struggled with their tee shots, with Lowry even hitting his shot into the water on the par-3 17th. The wind's howling nature made it challenging for players to find fairways and solve greens, leading to some surprising results.
The Battle for the Lead
The leaderboard is filled with a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Patrick Reed, Ben Kern, and Michael Block are all within striking distance of the lead. Reed's approach shot to 5 feet at the par-4 fourth resulted in a birdie, putting him at 3 under par. Kern, the lone club pro, made six birdies and three bogeys to reach 1 over, while Block birdied the par-3 fifth to reach 1 under.
The Struggle of Koepka and Scheffler
Brooks Koepka, known for his short game, admitted that his putting is 'absolutely horrendous'. He's struggling to build confidence at Aronimink, which is a concern for his overall performance. Similarly, Scottie Scheffler, despite his birdies, is 0-for-3 in hitting fairways on Friday, leading to a pair of dropped shots. This highlights the importance of consistency and precision in golf.
The Afternoon Wave
The afternoon wave is yet to start, and we can expect more dramatic moments and unexpected results. With the wind still howling and the course playing tough, the leaderboard is likely to change hands multiple times. The players' ability to adapt and make strategic decisions will be crucial in determining the final standings.
In my opinion, the 2026 PGA Championship is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable event. The wind's impact, the players' struggles and successes, and the constant changes in the leaderboard make it a must-watch. I'm particularly intrigued by the performances of Scheffler, Smalley, and Koepka, as they navigate the challenges of the course and battle for the top spot.
