What to Watch as the PGA Championship Heats Up
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the sun set on the second round of the PGA Championship, the buzz around the course was palpable. The mud balls that were the talk of the first round seemed to have taken a backseat, allowing the players to shine and the leaderboard to become one of the most diverse we’ve seen in recent years. The surprises from Thursday’s opening round had a mixed day, with some fading away, but not Jhonattan Vegas. The 40-year-old Venezuelan golfer held his ground and now finds himself leading the pack after 36 holes. But the real headline grabber was world no. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who shot 3 under, positioning himself perfectly to chase his third major title.
Scheffler, reflecting on his performance, said, “I think most of me is just glad to be close to the lead. If you’re going to play a 72-hole golf tournament, there’s going to be days and stretches of golf where you’re not swinging it your best. Over the course of a tournament this long and on a major championship setup, there’s going to be some bumps in the road. It’s all about how you respond to those. I did a good job of responding to those mistakes today and keeping myself in the tournament.”
With Scheffler still the favorite to take home the Wanamaker Trophy, here’s what to keep an eye on as the weekend unfolds.
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Jhonattan Vegas: Can He Go All the Way?
Schlabach: “Johnny Vegas” might not be the fan-favorite winner, but his journey is nothing short of inspiring. From being a top junior player in Venezuela to moving to Houston in 2004 due to political changes, Vegas’s story is one of resilience. He arrived in the U.S. with limited English and a bag of worn-out clubs, yet he earned a scholarship to the University of Texas. After turning pro, he spent two years on the Korn Ferry Tour before clinching his first PGA Tour win at the Bob Hope Classic in 2011. Since then, he’s won three more times, with his latest victory at the 3M Open in July.
Despite a restless night before Friday’s round, Vegas managed to maintain his lead, albeit with a double-bogey 6 on the 18th hole. He finished with a 1-under 70, holding a two-stroke lead. His putting, which was stellar in the first round, cooled off in the second, but his tee-to-green play remained strong. Personally, I’d be surprised if Vegas wins the PGA Championship wire-to-wire.
Uggetti: According to Data Golf, Vegas has a 9.4% chance to win. Even with a two-stroke lead, he’s only the second favorite, trailing Scottie Scheffler, who has a 23.4% chance, and Bryson DeChambeau, with a 9% chance. Vegas’s ability to stay under par and maintain his lead is commendable, but if I were to bet, I’d say his chances are closer to 5%.
Vegas himself said, “I feel like my game is very complete, but I just haven’t been able to put it all together in a major. I think I’ve been patient enough to not really get too down on myself for not playing well at majors. It’s just kind of one of those things that you’ve just got to keep learning about yourself and what it takes to play good here. Unfortunately, it’s taking me a little bit longer than usual, but I’m glad that I’m in this position right now.”
If Vegas does win, it would be one of the most unexpected major victories since Jimmy Walker’s 2017 PGA win, perhaps even more so.
Who Could Still Win from Outside the Top 10?
Schlabach: I initially picked DeChambeau to win, and he’s still in the mix at 3 under. The LIV Golf League captain rebounded from an even-par 71 in the first round to post a 3-under 68 on Friday. He’s tied for 17th, five strokes behind Vegas. DeChambeau is leading in driving distance and strokes gained off the tee, but his iron play and chipping need improvement.
DeChambeau commented, “You have to have your irons super precise this week, which we all know how good my wedges are, so that makes it a little bit more difficult for me. It’s a great test. I’ve just got to have my putting a little more on and keep playing the way I am. It easily could be 7, 8 under right now, or I could be even par. So just keep moving along, and I think a 65, 64 is out there. I almost shot it out there today and I definitely saw it out there, I just didn’t accomplish it.”
Uggetti: With big names lurking outside the top 10, this tournament feels wide open. Jon Rahm, sitting at 2 under, is one to watch. Despite recent struggles, Rahm has been consistent and could make a run for the top.
Rahm said, “I think I’m in good position. Adding to the fact that I feel like I’m getting better, more confident with the swing. I made a lot of good swings out there today and gave myself plenty of chances.”
How Far Back is Too Far?
Uggetti: While it might be a stretch to say anyone who made the cut could win, the leaderboard is tight. Players like Collin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele could still make a run. However, realistically, being four shots behind Scheffler and seven behind the leader is a tall order.
Who is the Favorite Heading into the Weekend?
Schlabach: I picked Scottie Scheffler after the first round, and he continues to impress. With a 3-under 68 on Friday, he’s tied for fifth. Scheffler said, “I like the position I’m in going into the weekend. Obviously, I wish I was a little bit further up the leaderboard. I think I got a lot out of my game the last couple days. I felt like, as the round went on, my swing continued to get better, and I was able to hit some key shots down the stretch to give myself some opportunities. Looking forward to the weekend.”
Uggetti: Scheffler seems inevitable, but Bryson DeChambeau could surprise us. His drive is a powerful weapon, and if he can keep it in the fairway, he has a chance.
Biggest Disappointment: Who Missed the Cut?
Schlabach: Many top golfers, including Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, Ludvig Åberg, Justin Rose, and Russell Henley, won’t be playing this weekend. I’d say JT is the biggest disappointment, given his recent win and past success at Quail Hollow.
Uggetti: I’ll go with Aberg. Despite his potential, he struggled with driving and approach, leading to his second missed cut in two PGA Championship appearances.
Originally Written by: Mark Schlabach,Paolo Uggetti
