The second round of the highly anticipated PGA Championship commenced on Friday at the picturesque Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. A competitive opening round resulted in a tightly contested leaderboard, promising an exhilarating continuation of the tournament. With Bryson DeChambeau and Eric Cole showcasing their prowess in the early stages, the battle for supremacy was set to intensify.
The first round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York, resumed at 7 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday. The second round is scheduled to begin this morning.
Stay updated with live updates, scores, and analysis from The Athletic’s staff.
Here’s how you can watch the PGA Championship:
Friday (second round): 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN+, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Saturday (third round): 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on ESPN+, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on CBS.
Sunday (final round): 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on ESPN+, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on CBS.
Current Leaderboard:
- DeChambeau: -4 (as of 2:31 p.m.)
- Tied for second: Rose: -3 (9*), Scheffler: -3 (as of 1:25 p.m.), Conners: -3 (as of 1:31 p.m.)
- Six players tied at 2-under.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Early Lead
In a remarkable display of skill, Bryson DeChambeau, renowned as a star of LIV Golf, secured the clubhouse lead on Thursday with an impressive score of 4-under 66. However, unfavorable weather conditions in the form of an early-morning frost delay disrupted the flow of play for several golfers scheduled for late-afternoon tee times. Consequently, some players were unable to complete their rounds, and ultimately, play was suspended due to darkness. Despite these challenges, PGA Tour newcomer Eric Cole managed to seize the lead by completing 14 holes with a remarkable score of 5-under par.
Justin Rose Emerges as a Contender
Taking advantage of his early tee time, Englishman Justin Rose surged forward to claim a share of the lead. The Olympic champion from the 2016 Rio Summer Games began his second round with exceptional play, securing three birdies in the first seven holes. This outstanding performance propelled Rose to match DeChambeau’s score of four under par, positioning him among the frontrunners.
Michael Block’s Strong Start
Adding intrigue to the tournament, club professional Michael Block made an impressive start to his second round at Oak Hill. As the reigning PGA of America Professional Player of the Year, Block birdied his opening hole, joining DeChambeau at the top of the leaderboard. Further birdies on the third and fifth holes solidified his position. However, Block encountered challenges in the later stages of his round, eventually finishing even par through 14 holes, tied for 15th place.
Club Pros Making Their Mark
One of the captivating aspects of the PGA Championship is the inclusion of club professionals like Michael Block, who occasionally make an impact, especially during the early rounds. Block’s remarkable achievements include being named the Southern California PGA Player of the Year nine times in the last decade (2013-2022), with only 2017 being an exception. Additionally, he has previously triumphed as the California State Open champion, underscoring his skill and resilience in the face of elite competition.
Course Conditions Favor No Particular Strength
Oak Hill Country Club has not yet exhibited a clear favoritism toward any specific aspect of the game. Eric Cole, who held the lead heading into the final four holes of his first round, demonstrated his versatility by ranking well in approach shots and putting, despite not excelling in driving distance or off-the-tee performance. DeChambeau, known for his length off the tee, showcased his prowess by leading the field in driving distance while remaining solid in other areas. Scottie Scheffler displayed well-rounded skills, and Corey Conners exhibited impressive putting despite missing fairways. These dynamics indicate that no single strength has dominated the course thus far.
There is a name making waves at Oak Hill this weekend. You probably know it by now.
Michael Block, the PGA Head Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, Calif., checked in after his second round at T14.
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 19, 2023
Oak Hill Tests Top Players
The challenging nature of Oak Hill Country Club has presented obstacles even for highly skilled golfers. Xander Schauffele, Tony Finau, and Rory McIlroy faced setbacks during their rounds but displayed resilience by battling back to post respectable scores. However, the biggest surprise came from the World No. 1, Jon Rahm, who struggled in the first round and faced the daunting task of fighting for his spot in the weekend rounds during the second round.
Plenty of Time for Surprises
As the tournament unfolds, Oak Hill Country Club continues to provide a stern test for the field. The course’s difficulty and the captivating leaderboard ensure that there is ample opportunity for unexpected turns of events. With the competition far from decided, spectators can anticipate more excitement and surprises as the weekend approaches.
Conclusion
As the second round of the PGA Championship unfolded at Oak Hill Country Club, fans witnessed a thrilling battle for supremacy among the world’s best golfers. Bryson DeChambeau, Eric Cole, Justin Rose, and Michael Block showcased their exceptional talent and determination, capturing the attention of spectators worldwide. The tournament was poised to continue with suspense and excitement as the leaderboard constantly shifted, setting the stage for an enthralling weekend of golf.
