The 108th PGA Championship is underway, and the second round is already shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle. With 33 players within two shots of the lead, the leaderboard is incredibly bunched, and the winds are adding an extra layer of difficulty. The marquee groups teed off the back nine, and the action was intense from the start.
One of the overnight leaders, Scottie Scheffler, faced a challenging start on Friday. He struggled to hit fairways, going 0-for-4 in fairways hit, and found himself 3-over to start his round. His playing partner, Matt Fitzpatrick, recovered from a double bogey on the tricky par-3 14th hole with three straight birdies around the turn, making him a strong contender.
Justin Rose, another notable player, finished his first nine at 4-over, with two double bogeys and two bogeys. The conditions were indeed dicey, with a 54-degree temperature and sustained winds of 15 mph, making it a true test of skill and endurance.
The projected cut is 3-over, and as of the latest update, only Michael Block is on the right side of the cut line. Several other players are close, including Ben Kern, Ryan Lenahan, Tyler Collet, Paul McClure, Ben Polland, and Timothy Wiseman, all of whom are 5-over or 6-over through various holes.
The PGA professionals in the field are also facing a challenging task. Making it here is often a win for them, but making the cut is a great goal. The conditions favor some players, like Patrick Reed, who has not played since winning multiple times on the DP World Tour ahead of the Masters. Reed's birdie at the fourth hole showcased his ability to adapt to tough conditions.
The marquee tee times for the day include notable players like Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, Min Woo Lee, Sahith Theegala, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Jon Rahm. These players will undoubtedly provide some exciting moments as the day progresses.
In summary, the 108th PGA Championship is living up to its reputation as a volatile and exciting event. With a bunched leaderboard and challenging conditions, the second round is set to be a thrilling spectacle, and the players' ability to adapt and perform will be crucial in determining the final standings.
