Morikawa push top PGA Championship leaderboard second round

Collin Morikawa surges to the lead with a 6-under-par 65 at the PGA Championship, eyeing his third major victory.

Collin Morikawa has already secured two major championship victories, and he is now on the path to potentially claim a third. Amidst the focus on Scottie Scheffler's situation with local police, Morikawa made a significant move to the forefront during the morning wave of the PGA Championship second round at Valhalla Golf Club.

Starting at No. 10, Morikawa impressively birdied five consecutive holes on the front nine before finishing with a bogey on his last hole, ultimately carding a remarkable 6-under-par 65 to surge into the lead on Friday morning. Reflecting on his performance, Morikawa emphasized the importance of playing solid golf and staying present throughout the tournament, highlighting the significance of executing shots and letting the putts drop naturally.

His streak of birdies at Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 propelled him to 12-under before a bogey at No. 9, marking a major career milestone for Morikawa. Despite not clinching a victory since the 2023 Zozo Championship, the 27-year-old golfer has showcased consistent performance with four consecutive top 25 finishes leading up to this week's event. Morikawa's previous major wins at the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship attest to his skill and potential for further success.

Expressing confidence in his abilities and determination to perform at his best, Morikawa remains focused on sharpening his skills and delivering a strong performance in the upcoming rounds. While he maintained the lead into Friday afternoon, Xander Schauffele, who set a course record on the first day, emerged as a formidable competitor, claiming the top spot in the evening. The competition is fierce, but Morikawa's exceptional display of talent and consistency position him as a strong contender for another major championship victory.