Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia are currently tied for the clubhouse lead at The Players Championship, after navigating a challenging second round at TPC Sawgrass, where conditions kept the competition tight. Lee, hailing from Perth, is in pursuit of his most significant career title, as this tournament stands as the most prestigious outside the majors.
Lee’s performance peaked on the front nine, where he secured four birdies in a five-hole burst, although he faltered with a bogey on the par-5 ninth, finishing with a commendable score of 6-under 66. Meanwhile, Bhatia encountered a tricky situation at the same hole but skillfully manoeuvred around a tree to make birdie, also finishing with a 66, placing both players at 11-under 133.
As they awaited to see if any afternoon players could match their scores, J.J. Spaun followed closely behind with a 68. Rory McIlroy, who had briefly held the lead, finished two shots back after a 68, acknowledging his improved accuracy off the tee compared to his previous round, despite facing difficulties on the sixth and ninth holes that resulted in bogeys. Collin Morikawa was also two shots behind the leaders after chipping in for two birdies in his 65.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with a 70 and sits six strokes off the lead, though he has proven in the past that a comeback is possible.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the third round includes wind, which could complicate play on the already demanding course. Many players, including Lee, Bhatia, and Morikawa, capitalised on the scoring opportunities available during the first two rounds, while Billy Horschel, despite having fewer birdies, showed mental resilience.
While Lee and Bhatia thrive, the performance of the broader Australian contingent has been disappointing, with none expected to make the cut. Xander Schauffele, who ended the day with a 71, finds himself on the cut line, expressing frustration with his form after returning from injury and acknowledging the need for improvement.
With the tournament’s considerable prize pool and competitive field, focus will remain on the cut line as the third round approaches, where commitment and performance will be vital.