US PGA Championship 2026 golf: day two – as it happened
US PGA Championship 2026 golf: day two – as it happened
The second round of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club delivered a masterclass in major championship drama, as shifting winds and demanding pin positions tested the world's best golfers. Following a historic seven-way logjam at the top of the leaderboard after Thursday, Friday saw the field begin to stretch, though the top remains incredibly bunched. Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy emerged from the fray to claim the co-leadership at 4 under par, leading a group of hungry contenders into the weekend. With the cut line settling at 4 over par, several high-profile names saw their major dreams end early, while Rory McIlroy surged back into the conversation with a flawless second-round performance.
The 2026 PGA Championship leaderboard after 36 holes features Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy at the top with a total score of 136 (-4). They are followed closely by a six-way tie for third place at 3 under par, including Hideki Matsuyama, Chris Gotterup, and first-round co-leader Aldrich Potgieter. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler remains firmly in the hunt at 2 under par, while Rory McIlroy sits at 1 over par after a brilliant 67 on Friday.
Smalley and McNealy Seize Control in Difficult Conditions
Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy navigated the treacherous Aronimink layout with precision on Friday to take a share of the lead at the 2026 PGA Championship. Smalley, who was part of the massive opening-day tie, backed up his 67 with a solid 1-under 69. His round was a testament to patience, as he avoided the big numbers that plagued many others in the field. McNealy, on the other hand, surged up the standings with a 3-under 67, highlighting his round with back-to-back birdies to start his back nine. The American duo sits at 4 under par, holding a slim one-stroke advantage over a deep group of pursuers. Their ability to handle the "absurd" pin locations, as described by some players, has set them up as the men to beat heading into the critical moving day.
The Leaderboard Logjam Continues
While the seven-way tie for the lead from Thursday was broken, the leaderboard remains remarkably congested. Six players are currently tied for third at 3 under par, just one shot off the pace. This group includes former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who fired a clean 67, and Chris Gotterup, who recorded the lowest round of the day with a 5-under 65. Also at 3 under are Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger, Min Woo Lee, and Max Greyserman. Potgieter, the young South African who held the solo lead for much of Friday afternoon, fell back into the pack following a difficult finish with bogeys on the final two holes. The density of talent at the top suggests that the Wanamaker Trophy is still very much up for grabs.
Scottie Scheffler Battles Back to Stay in the Hunt
Reigning PGA champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler faced an early test during his second round, carding three bogeys in his first four holes. However, showing the resilience that has defined his season, Scheffler clawed his way back. He managed to finish the day with a 1-over 71, bringing his total to 2 under par. Despite the slow start, Scheffler remains only two shots behind the leaders in a tie for ninth place alongside Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, and Ludvig Åberg. Scheffler’s ability to limit damage on a day when Aronimink was playing its toughest keeps him as a primary favorite to defend his title over the weekend.
Rory McIlroy’s Flawless Friday Rejuvenates Major Hopes
After a disappointing 4-over 74 on Thursday that he described as "doo-doo," Rory McIlroy found the "zen" he needed in the second round. Seeking the second leg of the calendar Grand Slam, the Masters champion produced a bogey-free 67 to move to 1 over par for the tournament. McIlroy attributed his turnaround to improved driving, hitting far more fairways than his dismal performance the day prior. Now tied for 30th, McIlroy is five shots back but has significant momentum. His comments after the round reflected a renewed confidence, stating that he felt he was "back in the tournament" and ready to take advantage of more favorable conditions expected for Saturday.
Aronimink Claims High-Profile Victims as Cut Line Hits +4
The penal nature of Aronimink Golf Club was on full display as several of the game's biggest stars failed to make the cut, which was established at 4 over par. Bryson DeChambeau's struggles continued as he followed his opening 76 with another difficult day, missing the cut at 7 over par. Joining him on the early flight home are former major winners Tommy Fleetwood (+5), Wyndham Clark (+5), Viktor Hovland (+6), and Keegan Bradley (+6). The "bogey train" was a common theme for those who found the thick rough or misjudged the severely sloped greens. For these players, the weekend in Newtown Square will be spent watching from the sidelines.
| Player | Total Score (To Par) |
|---|---|
| Alex Smalley | -4 |
| Maverick McNealy | -4 |
| Hideki Matsuyama | -3 |
| Chris Gotterup | -3 |
| Scottie Scheffler | -2 |
| Rory McIlroy | +1 |
Garrick Higgo’s Costly Penalty and Heartbreaking Exit
One of the most talked-about stories of the first two days was South African Garrick Higgo. On Thursday, Higgo was assessed a two-stroke penalty for being late to his opening tee time. Despite the setback, he showed incredible grit to fire an opening 69. However, the penalty proved devastating in the long run. Higgo finished his second round with a 76, bringing his total to 5 over par. He missed the cut by exactly one stroke—the same margin he lost due to his tardiness. His exit serves as a stark reminder of the rigid rules and tiny margins for error in major championship golf.
Strategy for the Weekend: Aggression vs. Caution
As the field looks toward the third round, the forecast suggests slightly more favorable conditions, which could lead to more aggressive play. However, with no rain expected, the course is likely to become firmer and faster, making the already difficult green complexes even more of a challenge. Leaders Smalley and McNealy will need to maintain their ball-striking consistency to fend off a chasing pack that includes major winners like Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, and Hideki Matsuyama. The "moving day" at Aronimink often dictates who has the psychological edge heading into Sunday, and with such a bunched leaderboard, a low round could catapult a player from the middle of the pack into the final pairing.
FAQ
What is the cut line for the 2026 PGA Championship?
The cut line for the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club was set at 4 over par (+4) after 36 holes.
Who are the leaders after the second round?
Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy are the co-leaders heading into the weekend, both sitting at 4 under par.
Did Bryson DeChambeau make the cut?
No, Bryson DeChambeau finished at 7 over par (+7) and did not make the cut for the 2026 PGA Championship.
How is Scottie Scheffler performing in his title defense?
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is currently in a tie for 9th place at 2 under par, just two strokes off the lead.
What happened to Rory McIlroy after his poor first round?
Rory McIlroy rebounded from an opening 74 with a bogey-free 67 in the second round to move to 1 over par and comfortably make the cut.
Conclusion
Day two of the 2026 PGA Championship solidified Aronimink's reputation as a premier major championship venue, weeding out those who lacked precision while rewarding those with the patience to navigate its complexities. With Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy leading at 4 under, and the likes of Matsuyama, Scheffler, and a rejuvenated McIlroy in pursuit, the stage is set for an explosive weekend. The proximity of the scores ensures that every shot over the next 36 holes will carry immense weight as the field vies for the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy.
US PGA Championship 2026 golf: day two – as it happened
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