Check back after each round of the 2026 Players Championship for the unfiltered thoughts of our writers and editors as they break down the tournament’s hottest topics, and join the conversation by tweeting us @golf_com.
Ludvig Aberg holds a two-shot lead at half a point in the Players Championship, with Xander Schauffele just two shots back. Meanwhile, tournament favorites Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy had to dig deep just to make the cut. What was the biggest second-round surprise at The Players Championship?
What was the biggest surprise from the second round at The Players Championship?
Jessica Marksbury, Senior Editor: I’ll start, because I picked him to win this week: Scottie! The World No. 1 fighting “Players” is very unexpected. The long, post-round session in the pouring rain yesterday certainly didn’t bode well for today’s performance. And while everyone is entitled to a week or two off, it’s not something we’ve come to expect from a ball-forward of Scottie’s caliber.
;)
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Josh Schrock
Josh Sens, Senior Writer: No doubt about Scheffler. I’m also a little surprised to see Justin Thomas so sharp. He’s a past Players Champion, of course, and a two-time major winner. But his approximate appearance on his return to Bay Hill last week it made me think he would need more time to shake off the rust.
Zephyr Melton, Associate Game Development Editor: Outside of Scottie Scheffler’s obligatory answer, I’ll go with Ludvig Aberg. Sure, he played well last week, but other than that he’s been pretty pedestrian for quite some time. I’m excited to see if his good form continues into the weekend.
Nick Piastowski, Senior Editor: Yes, it’s Scheffler, but Keegan Bradley’s the turnaround was pretty amazing. He was six over for the tournament after 19 holes – then played seven-under golf after that.
Josh Schrock, news editor: Scottie hits all over the map is the answer, but I think Corey Conners deserves a 36 hole call. His best finish so far this year is a T24 at Sony. He does not have another top 30! But he bogeyed five of his first six holes Friday and opened up for an eagle on the par-5 ninth. Sustainable? I don’t know, but I’m excited to see which of the “others” on the leaderboard (Conners, Hodges, Bridgeman, etc.,) hang around the weekend – and who gets Sawgrassed fast.
