Lee and Bhatia Lead, McIlroy Lurking

Windy weekend ahead as the field tightens at TPC Sawgrass.

The second round of The Players Championship wrapped up on Friday, and the leaderboard is heating up. Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia remain tied for the lead at 11-under, but with Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa close behind, the weekend promises plenty of drama. Here’s what you need to know.

The Leaders: Lee and Bhatia Stay Steady

Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia both shot 66 on Friday to maintain their position at the top of the leaderboard at 11-under. J.J. Spaun, who started the day tied for the lead, carded a 68 and sits alone in third at 10-under.

Rory McIlroy (68) and Collin Morikawa (65) are tied for fourth at 9-under, just two shots off the lead. McIlroy, the 2019 champion, remains a strong contender, while Morikawa’s bogey-free 65 was one of the best rounds of the day.

Justin Thomas’ Wild Ride

After a disastrous 6-over 78 in the first round, Justin Thomas mounted an impressive comeback on Friday. He shot a 9-under 63, tying the course record set by Tom Hoge in 2023. Thomas’ round included nine birdies, including a dramatic putt on the 17th that danced on the edge of the cup before dropping.

Despite his heroics, Thomas remains seven shots off the lead, but his performance was a reminder of why he’s one of the game’s most talented players.

Scottie Scheffler Still in the Hunt

Two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot a 70 on Friday and is tied for 16th at 5-under. While he’s six shots back, Scheffler was in the exact same position at this point last year before rallying to win. If anyone can make up ground on the weekend, it’s him.

Weather Alert: Windy Conditions Ahead

The weekend forecast calls for strong winds, with gusts up to 30 mph. This could shake up the leaderboard, as TPC Sawgrass is already one of the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour.

“The wind we’re expecting is going to be one helluva challenge,” said Billy Horschel, who is tied for 11th at 6-under. “Quality golf shots don’t always turn out well in conditions like that.”

Notable Cuts and Struggles

The cut line fell at 1-under, ending the tournament for several big names, including Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, and Justin Rose. Camilo Villegas, who shared the first-round lead, shot a 76 and missed the cut by four shots.

On the flip side, Xander Schauffele extended his streak of consecutive cuts made to 59, the longest active run on the PGA Tour.

What to Watch This Weekend

• Can Lee or Bhatia hold on? Both players are seeking their first Players Championship victory.
• Will McIlroy or Morikawa make a move? They’re within striking distance and have the experience to handle the pressure.
• How will the wind impact play? TPC Sawgrass is tough enough without 30 mph gusts.

Your Turn: Who’s Your Pick to Win?

At Better Golf Academy, we love a good underdog story. Will it be Lee, Bhatia, or someone else entirely? Let us know your predictions in the comments—and don’t forget to tune in for what’s sure to be an unforgettable weekend of golf!