Chris Gotterup's 65 Blows Up the PGA Championship and Nobody's Ready For It

HOLY MOLY, you guys catching the PGA Championship? Because things just got absolutely WILD out there! While Alex Smalley grabbed the clubhouse lead, it was Chris Gotterup who absolutely dropped the round of the tournament so far. A 5-under 65? That's not just good, that's seriously impressive! We're only halfway through the second round, and the leaderboard is already a rollercoaster, with some serious contenders making moves and others just trying to hold on.

Smalley's Wild Ride to the Top

Let's talk about Alex Smalley, who's sitting with the clubhouse lead at 4-under 136. This dude started the day at 3 under, becoming the first player all week to hit 5 under. Smooth sailing, right? Nah, Smalley quickly squandered that cushion, bogieing holes 1, 2, and 3 after playing the tougher back nine in 2 under par. But credit where it's due, he bounced back with a birdie on No. 4 and then pulled off a ridiculous third shot on the par-5 ninth, pitching it to just 14 inches. That's the grit you love to see, fighting back to finish his round with a birdie for a 1-under 69. He's currently tied up with Aldrich Potgieter and Min Woo Lee, both sitting at 1 under early in their rounds.

Gotterup's Stunner and Matsuyama's Calm Attack

But seriously, the real headline here is Chris Gotterup. That 5-under 65? It's the best round of the tournament by two strokes, leaving everyone in the dust today. This guy's been on a tear, winning last year's Scottish Open, placing third at the Open Championship, and grabbing two PGA Tour wins this winter! He wrapped up his round with birdies on Nos. 7, 8, and 9 to absolutely surge up that leaderboard. Conditions at Aronimink sound tricky. Gotterup said getting close is "really hard," even on No. 11, he had a 25-foot putt after getting it "about as close as you could." The man's making it look easy when it's anything but!

Meanwhile, Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champ, is quietly putting together a super consistent day, vying for his second major title. Four birdies, just one bogey, and a beautiful tee-to-green performance. His favorite birdie at No. 7? He said, "My birdie putt hung on the lip for a while, and then the wind blew it in." A little luck always helps in a major, right?

The Field Scrambles as Pace Slows

Elsewhere, Jason Day birdied his first two holes this afternoon to join the tie at 3 under. But World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler? He struggled with a 1-over 71, taking over five and a half hours, highlighting the sluggish pace of play that's got everyone talking. Scheffler's dropped to 2 under for the tournament, two shots behind the leaders, joining Cameron Young (67) and Justin Thomas (69). Big names like Xander Schauffele (2 under first round), Brooks Koepka (1 under), Jordan Spieth (1 under), and Jon Rahm (1 under) are in the mix. Rory McIlroy's at 4 over, and Bryson DeChambeau's way back at 6 over. It's a grind out there, folks!

So, with the second round still cooking and serious talent on the course, tomorrow's moving day is going to be absolutely ELECTRIC. Who's gonna make a charge? Who's gonna fall apart? You gotta tune in to find out!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.