Aussie Star Rises at $20M Event Amidst Tight Leaderboard Competition
A thrilling battle is underway at the 2026 PGA Tour Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a significant event boasting a prize pool of $20 million. Akshay Bhatia has made headlines by joining Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune at the top of the leaderboard, both tied at 15-under par.
Aussie Stars Shine in Pebble Beach
Bhatia, a 24-year-old Californian, played exceptionally well during the second round, shooting a 64. He achieved back-to-back bogey-free rounds, demonstrating his rising form after a strong performance at last week’s Phoenix Open, where he finished tied for third.
“Just building off last week. Played really nice last week, just starting to kind of catch my groove,” Bhatia mentioned, reflecting on his performance. He showcased his skills with six birdies and an eagle at the par-five 14th hole, where he executed an impressive 47-foot chip-in from the rough.
Strong Competition
Ryo Hisatsune, the overnight leader, solidified his position with a commendable five-under par 67, following his career-best opening round. The 23-year-old from Okayama, Japan, is vying for his first PGA Tour victory after a notable showing at the recent Phoenix Open.
- Hisatsune’s Score: 67
- Opening Round: 10-under
- Previous Event: Tied for second at Torrey Pines
Rickie Fowler also made a mark on the leaderboard, matching Bhatia with a score of 64, placing him in joint third at 14-under alongside Sam Burns. Fowler’s remarkable round included nine birdies, showcasing his recovery from a challenging previous season impacted by injury.
Australian Contenders
Min Woo Lee, another talent from Australia, is currently tied for fifth place after an impressive second-round score of 65. His performance included seven birdies and an eagle, contributing to Australia’s strong showing at this prestigious event.
Among other notable players, Jason Day, the only other Australian in the field, is performing steadily with a score of six-under after a round of 68. This event at Pebble Beach is shaping up to be a competitive spectacle, especially with the tight leaderboard as players strive for victory.
Notable Performances
Harris English turned heads with the best round of the day, a bogey-free 63, after a lackluster opening round. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler improved his standing, finishing the day six-under after a second round of 66.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy finished with a 67, putting him at nine-under par, currently tied for 17th place. As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce, with many players still in contention for the title.
