Day Two Delivers Dramatic Highs and Lows as Major Storylines Emerge at Quail Hollow

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The second round of the 2025 PGA Championship delivered its share of surprises, with Jhonattan Vegas holding onto his lead at 8-under par heading into the weekend. But it’s the story of how he maintained that advantage – thanks to a fortuitous bounce off a bunker rake at the treacherous 17th hole – that had the golf world buzzing.

Vegas’ tee shot at the par-3 was heading for serious trouble when it struck a rake positioned to the right of the green, redirecting his ball safely to the center of the putting surface. The Venezuelan calmly two-putted for par, preserving his momentum and lead heading into the weekend.

Homa’s Resurgence

Max Homa delivered Friday’s most impressive performance, firing a blistering 64 that included a front-nine 30 to vault into contention. The six-time PGA Tour winner, who has struggled mightily this season, now sits just three shots off the lead.

What made Homa’s round even more refreshing was his candid post-round interview in an era where many players have declined to speak after disappointing performances.

“It’s not so hard to be transparent. It doesn’t hurt me in any way,” Homa told reporters, a welcome change from the recent media avoidance trend.

Unexpected Contenders

Matt Fitzpatrick, another top player who’s been searching for form this season, posted his second consecutive 68 to position himself firmly in the mix heading into the weekend.

Meanwhile, 52-year-old Richard Bland continues to defy Father Time. The Englishman, who qualified by winning last year’s Senior PGA Championship, finds himself tied with Bryson DeChambeau as the highest-placed LIV Golf representatives at T17 – despite giving up a staggering 76 yards off the tee to the long-hitting American.

History-Making Ace

Si Woo Kim added another remarkable chapter to his major championship career by recording a hole-in-one at the 252-yard par-3 6th hole – the longest ace in major championship history according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Incredibly, this marks Kim’s second consecutive major with an ace, having holed out at Royal Troon’s 238-yard 17th during last year’s Open Championship.

Big Names Pack Their Bags

Not everyone enjoyed Friday’s action. Justin Thomas, who won the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and recently ended his victory drought at the RBC Heritage, bogeyed two of his final three holes to miss the cut by two shots. The surprising early exit continues a troubling trend for JT, who has now missed the cut in six of his last ten majors.

Jordan Spieth’s quest to complete the career Grand Slam will extend at least another year. Despite a valiant Friday 68 that included three birdies and an eagle, Thursday’s opening 76 proved too much to overcome.

Perhaps most concerning was Dustin Johnson’s performance. The 40-year-old former world No. 1 finished at 12-over par, missing the cut by a mile and getting outplayed by nine club professionals in the field. It’s his fifth missed cut in the last seven majors, raising questions about his future in golf’s biggest events outside the Masters.

The action continues Saturday with Vegas looking to fend off a suddenly rejuvenated Homa and a pack of hungry challengers at Quail Hollow.