The second round of the Senior PGA Championship, being played at The Concession Golf Club (Florida), produced mixed feelings for Spanish golf. Miguel Ángel Jiménez lost the lead after a difficult round, while José María Olazábal, who also dropped ground on a tough day, at least managed to remove a major thorn: he will play the weekend for the first time in this senior Major.
The Málaga native, who had started the tournament as leader after an outstanding opening day, carded this Friday 74 strokes (+2) and is now at -4 overall, losing places in a leaderboard that has tightened at the top. His card had a very clear weakness: the par 5s. He lost much of his chances on them, with a +4 tally, the result of two bogeys and a double bogey. Too much punishment on the holes where you’re supposed to score under par..
Beyond that black hole, Jiménez’s day was not bad. Over the remaining 15 holes he posted a 2-under partial. In any case, he can still regain positions over the remaining 36 holes. He is six shots off the lead shared by Scott Hend (-10) and Brian Gay (-10) and four shots off second place, where, among others, Stewart Cink (-8) already figures.
José María Olazábal felt worse in terms of feel. It was confirmed that on Thursday he was not bluffing when he said he had not struck the ball well and that the putter had saved him. This time he could not perform miracles. The player from Gipuzkoa carded a 75 strokes (+3) in an uneven round, alternating successes and mistakes without finding rhythm. He recorded two birdies and five bogeys. In any case, the final result has special value.
Olazábal has made the cut for the first time at the Senior PGA Championship. Sixth time lucky. Since 2017 he had played five editions without making the weekend, a barrier he has finally managed to break at this first senior Major of the 2026 season.
At the head of the field, the tournament has completely changed hands.
The Australian Scott Hend and the American Brian Gay share the lead at -10, after a solid second round. Behind them, a group of strong chasers sits at -8, with very notable names on the senior circuit such as: Stewart Cink, Retief Goosen and Ben Crane.
The cut has been set at +2. Among those heading home are Alex Cejka, John Daly, Boo Weekley, Darren Clarke, Simon Khan, Ángel Cabrera, the defending champion, and Stephen Gallacher.
