CHARLOTTE, NC. With the 36-hole cut falling at 1-over 143, 74 players will move into the weekend.
Those finishing at or above 2-over-par (144) are now heading away from Quail Hollow.
Among the most notable — Jordan Spieth.
This marks the ninth time he has failed to win the PGA Championship in an effort to complete the career grand slam and while he acquitted himself nicely in the second round, a 3-under 68, the opening 76 was too much to overcome.
2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry was also among those at 2-over who failed to make the cut.
Also missing the cut:
• Justin Thomas, who won the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow eight years ago. He got to 1-over for the championship through 13 holes, but bogeys at Nos. 5, 6, and 7 spoiled his charge. With 73-72 he finished at 3-over 145 to miss the cut for just the second time in 10 PGA Championships.
• Hideki Matsuyama, who had the longest stretch of consecutive cuts made in the majors, at 19. He shot 73-73.
• Ludvig Åberg never recovered from a bogey, double-bogey, double-bogey at 16, 17, and 18 for an outward 40. He went 70-75.
• Patrick Reed (72-74), who was T-2 at the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
• Patrick Cantlay (74-74), who made just three birdies, none of them on the par 5s.
• Cam Smith (78-71), who in four PGA Championship rounds at Quail Hollow (2017, 2025) is 22-over par.
• And other major winners fell short – Jason Day (73-75), Brooks Koepka (75-76), Phil Mickelson (79-72), Justin Rose (76-75), Martin Kaymer (78-72), Dustin Johnson (78-76).
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Of the 20 PGA of America Golf Professionals who were part of the Corebridge Financial Team, Tyler Collet (73-78) of the South Florida section and John Somers (75-76) of the North Florida section posted the low scores at 9-over 151.
Tom Johnson (74-78), who was among three others who finished at 10-over, perhaps spoke for his colleagues when he said the passion will carry-over to the next challenge.
Many of these PGA of America Golf Professionals will be involved in the upcoming U.S. Open final qualifying in a few weeks.
“I’m already thinking ahead,” said Johnson, who is from the Northern California section. “My confidence is riding high.”
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M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”