The PGA Championship is heating up, and after two intense rounds at Aronimink, the field has been cut in half. With tricky greens and thick rough testing every player's mettle, only those who shot +4 or better survived to play the weekend. Here's a look at who's riding high and who's heading home early after Friday's second round.
Winner: Maverick McNealy
Maverick McNealy is proving that consistency pays off in the majors. The 30-year-old has quietly made the cut in each of the last six major championships, and his game is peaking at the right time. After a tied-for-18th finish at the Masters—his best major result yet—McNealy finds himself near the top of the leaderboard at Aronimink. While he's never cracked the top-15 at a major, his steady play suggests he's ready to compete for his first title. Even if he doesn't take home the Wanamaker Trophy, this experience is invaluable for a player on the rise.
Winner: Alex Smalley
Alex Smalley is the surprise of the tournament so far. The 29-year-old opened with a sparkling 67 on Thursday, tying for the lead at -3, and even held a two-shot advantage at -5 on Friday before a late stumble with three straight bogeys. Still, this is easily his best performance in a major—he's played in four prior majors, including the last three, but never made a serious run. Smalley's resilience and ball-striking suggest he could be a name to watch this weekend.
Loser: Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau's power game didn't translate at Aronimink. The former U.S. Open champion struggled with the course's demanding greens and thick rough, failing to find his rhythm. After a disappointing second round, DeChambeau missed the cut, ending his hopes for a second major title. It's a tough blow for a player who thrives on big stages, but the course's layout proved to be a puzzle he couldn't solve.
Loser: [Player Name]
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As the weekend approaches, the leaderboard is packed with both seasoned contenders and fresh faces. Whether you're rooting for a breakout star or a veteran comeback, the PGA Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling finish. Stay tuned for more action from Aronimink.