Tyrrell Hatton’s turbulent relationship with golf was once again laid bare during the second round of the US PGA Championship. The Englishman, known for his volatility, unleashed a foul-mouthed tirade after finding a water hazard off the tee on the 18th hole. His frustration boiled over as he hurled an expletive-laden rant at his driver, which was caught live on television. The outburst was followed by a triple-bogey seven, halting his momentum at a point when he was just one shot off the lead.
Hatton, who has become synonymous with emotional outbursts on the course, later admitted it wasn’t his “finest moment.” However, his inability or perhaps unwillingness to rein in his temper continues to draw criticism. Since joining LIV Golf last year, his antics have become even more pronounced, with previous incidents including smashing a club through a tee marker in Dubai and a series of angry outbursts at another event in the UAE.
Hatton finished the round with a 73, leaving him one under par seven shots adrift of the surprise leader, Jhonattan Vegas. The Venezuelan posted a 70 to add to his opening 64, an impressive performance considering he has never managed a top-10 finish at a major in his career. However, signs of nerves showed as he carded a double bogey at the 18th, despite a lucky break at the 17th when a wayward tee shot bounced off a bunker rake and landed on the green.
Course conditions proved testing for many, with “mud balls” becoming a recurring issue. Hatton voiced his frustration with the inconsistency of how mud affected ball flight, criticizing the decision not to allow lift, clean, and place despite heavy rain earlier in the week. He lamented the unpredictability it introduced, arguing that it was “a wild guess” at times.
Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy ensured his weekend participation despite finishing his round with back-to-back bogeys. Sitting at one-over after a second-round 69, the Masters champion remains in contention, although speculation swirls about a driver change due to non-conforming equipment discovered earlier in the week.
Several big names failed to make the cut. Dustin Johnson missed it by a wide margin after rounds of 78 and 76. Cameron Smith’s poor form continued with a third consecutive missed cut at a major. Justin Rose, who had recently challenged McIlroy at the Masters, exited early at plus nine, while former champions Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Ludvig Åberg also bowed out.
Meanwhile, others surged up the leaderboard. Matthieu Pavon’s stunning 65 brought him to six under, matched by Matt Fitzpatrick, whose steady 68 suggests a welcome return to form. Si Woo Kim thrilled the crowd with a hole-in-one at the 6th to move into contention, and Max Homa’s 64 left him five under at the halfway point.
Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, remains a serious threat. Despite a late bogey at the 9th, his second-round 68 brought him to three under. Known for his powerful driving, DeChambeau is well-suited to Quail Hollow’s layout and believes low scores are still out there. He emphasized the unpredictability of the course but remains confident in his ability to contend.
With the weekend looming, the tournament remains wide open. While some of the sport’s biggest names have already departed, others are poised for a thrilling chase toward the Wanamaker Trophy.
