- Brian Harman leads by four strokes after a 6-under 66
- Keith Mitchell trails at 8-under, needing a win for Masters qualification
- Sam Ryder's neck injury impacts second-round performance
- Tony Finau's hole-in-one secures weekend play
- Defending champion Akshay Bhatia misses cut
Brian Harman delivered a masterclass in precision at TPC San Antonio, carding eight birdies during his second-round 66 to seize control of the Valero Texas Open. The 2023 British Open champion now holds his largest 36-hole advantage since that historic victory at Hoylake, demonstrating why course management remains critical at this challenging PGA Tour stop.
Keith Mitchell faces mounting pressure as he sits four strokes back at 8-under par. With a Masters invitation on the line, the Georgia native acknowledged the stakes: I need to channel that major championship energy Sunday brings.Mitchell's up-and-down round featured dramatic momentum swings, including consecutive birdies on holes 14-15 before a costly bunker bogey at the par-3 7th.
The tournament's physical demands became evident in Sam Ryder's 11-stroke regression from his opening 63. Battling neck discomfort, Ryder required 12 more putts during his second-round 74. Quick turnarounds between late finishes and early tee times test every player's recovery protocols,noted PGA Tour physiotherapist Mark Wilson, emphasizing the tour's growing focus on sports science.
Tony Finau provided the day's most electrifying moment, acing the 197-yard 16th with a 7-iron to vault above the cut line. The dramatic shot highlights how TPC San Antonio's risk-reward design creates weekend-altering opportunities. Course architect Greg Norman specifically crafted these transitional holes to reward bold play under pressure.
Jordan Spieth's late collapse saw three consecutive bogeys, leaving him eight strokes back. The Texan's short-game struggles resurfaced despite strong driving (71.4% fairways hit). Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler kept his Masters dreams alive with a 65 that showcased renewed confidence in his wedges, gaining 4.2 strokes approaching the green.
As players prepare for moving day, all eyes remain on Harman's ability to maintain composure. His British Open victory proved he can protect large leads, but San Antonio's swirling winds and firm greens present unique challenges. With six players within six strokes of the lead, Saturday's groupings promise high drama at this final Masters tune-up.