The second round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink delivered both brilliance and survival. Chris Gotterup surged to the lowest score of the tournament with a 5‑under 65, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler battled through a rough start to stay in contention.
Gotterup’s Jersey Toughness
Gotterup leaned on grit and patience to handle cold winds and unforgiving greens. He closed his round with three straight birdies, thrilling fans near his home region. “I really battled all day. It was very hard. There were some pins that didn’t even look like they were on the green,” he said. The Rutgers alum now sits inside the top 10 in the world and showed why with a fearless finish.
Scheffler’s Recovery
Scheffler, who shared the lead after Round 1, couldn’t find a fairway until his ninth hole. Three early bogeys put him on the ropes, but he steadied himself with a brilliant 80‑foot lag putt on the par‑3 14th and closed with a birdie on the par‑5 ninth. His 1‑over 71 left him at 2‑under overall, two shots behind Alex Smalley’s 136. “Definitely the best start I’ve gotten off to this year,” Scheffler said, reflecting on his resilience.
Other Contenders
Hideki Matsuyama posted a 67 in pursuit of his second major, while Aldrich Potgieter impressed with a strong front nine, chasing history as the youngest 36‑hole leader since Tiger Woods in 1997. Justin Thomas salvaged a 69 after early struggles, and Cameron Young electrified with an eagle putt to card 67.
Brutal Conditions
Morning winds made Aronimink feel colder than the low 50s, punishing even seasoned veterans. Dustin Johnson ground out an even‑par 70, joking, “It was blowing 100 for us.” Shane Lowry and Justin Rose both faltered, though Rose’s hole‑out eagle at the end may keep him around for the weekend.
