The golf world is holding its breath as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am reaches its halfway point, with Rory McIlroy finding himself six shots off the lead. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite the gap, McIlroy remains confident, insisting he’s still very much in the game. Let’s break down the drama unfolding on the iconic Pebble Beach greens.
After a second-round 67, the defending champion sits at nine-under-par, trailing leaders Akshay Bhatia and Ryo Hisatsune, who are setting the pace at 15-under-par. McIlroy’s round included a strong start with an eagle on the second hole and two birdies, though he admitted to missing opportunities later on. And this is the part most people miss: even with a few dropped shots, McIlroy believes the unpredictable weather forecast for Sunday could level the playing field, giving everyone a fighting chance.
Speaking of contenders, American duo Rickie Fowler and Sam Burns are just one stroke off the lead, with Austria’s Sepp Straka lurking two shots behind. Meanwhile, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood are part of a larger group at 10-under-par, keeping the competition fierce. Controversially, some argue that McIlroy’s optimism might be misplaced given the lead gap, but could the weather truly be the great equalizer?
Akshay Bhatia stole the show with an impressive eight-under-par 64 at Spyglass Hill, carding an eagle and six birdies to tie Hisatsune at the top. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler staged a late rally, picking up five shots in his final seven holes to reach six-under-par. His performance raises the question: Can Scheffler close the gap and reclaim his dominance?
As the tournament heats up, Saturday’s round becomes crucial for positioning ahead of what promises to be a chaotic Sunday. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With weather poised to play a decisive role, who do you think has the edge—the current leaders or those like McIlroy, banking on a reset? Let us know in the comments!
For those eager to catch the action, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am continues live on Sky Sports, with coverage on Saturday starting at 4:30 PM on Sky Sports Golf. Whether you’re a Sky subscriber or prefer streaming with no contract, there’s a way for everyone to tune in. And if you’re inspired to hit the links yourself, explore the best prices for a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland.
Don’t miss out on this thrilling tournament—it’s anyone’s game, and the drama is only just beginning!
