Overview
- Alex Smalley seized the solo lead during Friday’s second round, moving clear as the morning wave struggled to gain ground on the firm, sloped greens.
- Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, following Friday’s rough start with three bogeys in his first four holes, battled to a 1-over 71 to reach 2 under through 36 holes.
- Chris Gotterup posted the low round of the championship with a 5-under 65, vaulting into contention on a course that punished missed fairways.
- Players said the setup was brutal, with Scheffler calling Friday’s hole locations the hardest he has seen on Tour as gusts made approaches and lag putting treacherous.
- The field remains tightly stacked after a record-packed opening day that featured 48 players within three shots of the lead, keeping the weekend wide open.