The second round of the 2026 Sony Open in Hawai’i saw a reshuffling of the leaderboard amidst challenging windy conditions at Waialae Country Club. Nick Taylor remains tied for the lead as several prominent players faced early exits.
Round Two Highlights
After a day of remarkable performances on Thursday, where some players posted impressive 62s, the competition tightened on Friday. The best score recorded was a 64 by Davis Riley, allowing him to surge into a tie for the lead despite incurring a penalty stroke during his round. Riley credited his success to improved ball-striking and exceptional putting, mentioning, “I definitely hit the ball a little bit better today.” His penalty on Thursday, which he noted affected his momentum, now serves as a reminder of the consistency needed to excel.
Notable Ups and Downs
Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 17 in the Official World Golf Rankings, experienced disappointment as he finished even par after a 68 and fell short of making the cut. Morikawa struggled with his putter, missing key birdie opportunities, which included a critical six-footer on the final hole. This missed cut marks a tough start to his season, especially after a challenging second half in 2025, leaving him in search of form. He was not alone in his struggles; fellow competitor Keegan Bradley also ended his week at even par.
In contrast, Jordan Spieth showcased resilience, making the cut with a steady performance that included two consecutive rounds of 68, placing him comfortably at four under. Spieth acknowledged the difficulties posed by the windy conditions, stating, “It was just very challenging at times.” His experience will prove crucial as the tournament moves into the weekend.
Leaders Moving Forward
As the tournament continues, five players share the lead at nine under: Nick Taylor, Davis Riley, S.H. Kim, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, and Kevin Roy. Taylor and Roy, having secured their spots after first-round scores of 62, will hope to maintain their momentum against strong competition. Riley’s standout performance positions him as a serious contender, while Kim and Dumont de Chassart also made notable climbs, completing rounds of 68 and 67 respectively.
Chase Pack
Behind the leaders, a group of players trails closely, including Maverick McNealy, Chris Gotterup, John Parry, and Takumi Kanaya, all at eight under. Ryan Gerard, Vince Whaley, and Patrick Rodgers remain in the hunt at seven under. With excellent scoring opportunities available, the weekend promises an exciting finish, as many players are still in contention, buoyed by the potential for low scores under favorable conditions.
- Collin Morikawa (E)
- Keegan Bradley (E)
- Luke Clanton (+1)
- Chris Kirk (+1)
- Cam Davis (+3)
- Gary Woodland (+3)
- Tony Finau (+6)
As the weather plays a key role in scoring, the coming rounds will be crucial for players looking to capitalize on any shifts in performance. Fans can expect a thrilling weekend at Waialae with close contests and unexpected twists, as several players aim for a strong finish in the season’s opening event.
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