The race to the top of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am leaderboard just got a whole lot more interesting. While Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, finds himself with ground to make up, it's Akshay Bhatia and Ryo Hisatsune who are stealing the show. Bhatia's stunning eight-under-par 64 at Spyglass Hill propelled him into a share of the lead with Hisatsune, both sitting pretty at 15 under. But here's where it gets intriguing: McIlroy, despite a strong finish with a birdie on the 18th, trails by six strokes heading into the weekend. The Northern Irishman's round was a rollercoaster, featuring five birdies and an eagle, but bogeys on the 10th and 14th left him with work to do.
And this is the part most people miss: Bhatia's performance wasn't just about the score; it was a masterclass in precision and composure. Hisatsune, meanwhile, showcased resilience, bouncing back from dropped shots to gain four strokes in his final five holes. Is this the start of a new era for these young stars, or can McIlroy, a five-time major winner, mount a comeback?
Rickie Fowler is also one to watch, tying for second at 14 under as he seeks his first win since July 2023. Austria's Sepp Straka leads the European charge at 12 under, with England's Matt Fitzpatrick and big names like Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth, and Xander Schauffele close behind. Tommy Fleetwood, another Englishman, sits at nine under alongside McIlroy, while Ireland's Shane Lowry trails by just one shot.
Scottie Scheffler made a late surge, carding three birdies and an eagle to reach six under, proving he's still very much in the mix. Meanwhile, England's Justin Rose and Harry Hall, along with Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, are at five under. With all players having experienced both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend.
But here's the controversial part: With no 36-hole cut at this $20m (£14.7m) PGA Tour event, does this format truly test the best, or does it dilute the competition? All eyes will be on Pebble Beach for the third and fourth rounds, where the drama is sure to unfold. Who do you think will come out on top? Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!
