In the second round of the PGA Championship, Alex Smalley took the lead with a score of five-under par at Aronimink Golf Club. The 29-year-old golfer, who is in pursuit of his first PGA Tour win, managed to outshine several top competitors as challenging weather conditions impacted play.
A Closer Look at Smalley’s Performance
Smalley began the day as one of seven players tied for the lead at three-under par. He rose to the top after successfully birdieing the par-five 16th and the par-four 18th holes. His second-round performance included:
- Six pars on the back nine.
- A remarkable 19-foot putt for par at hole 15.
- A birdie putt of nearly 15 feet on 18 to solidify his lead.
Despite reaching five-under for the first time this tournament, Smalley encountered a setback with a bogey at the first hole of his third round.
Trouble for Top Contenders
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled throughout the round. Scheffler began with three bogeys in his first four holes, making several mistakes off the tee. His performance highlighted the difficulties many players faced on Aronimink’s sloped greens. On the day, he made a notable recovery with a birdie on the par-three 17th, but overall, it was a disappointing round.
Other players also faced challenges. Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who started off strong, faltered with bogeys on five of the first seven holes. Similarly, Patrick Reed made a brief charge, sharing the lead with a birdie on the fourth, only to drop back with a three-putt bogey two holes later.
Matsuyama Makes a Charge
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, showed resilience on the course. He reached three-under par after sinking impressive birdies at several holes, including:
- 23 feet at the par-four 13th.
- Eight feet at the par-four third.
- Twenty feet at the par-four seventh.
Despite a bogey at the sixth hole, Matsuyama’s performance indicated he remained a strong contender moving forward in the tournament.
Notable Players in Difficulty
Several prominent golfers struggled significantly during this round. Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, faced difficulties after starting with a 74. His second-round performance was expected to impact his chances of winning. Likewise, Justin Rose had a challenging start, with two double bogeys and an overall score of four-over par.
As the tournament progresses, players like Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth, and Xander Schauffele, who are all in close competition, will be looking to close the gap on Smalley and others at the top. Rahm, in particular, hopes to make history as the first Spaniard to claim the PGA title.
With unpredictable weather and challenging course conditions, the competition at Aronimink continues to intensify as golfers strive for the coveted PGA Championship title.
