We’re six shots off the pace as the Cognizant Classic heads into the weekend in Florida. Austin Smotherman, sitting at 11-under, kept his overnight lead with a 69, while Shane Lowry answered yesterday’s rough patch with a four-under 67 to stay six behind in Round 2.
Smotherman had flashed a career-best 9-under 62 the day before, but he gave back two bogeys on the back nine. Taylor Moore carded a second straight 67 to trim Smotherman’s advantage to three shots.
Canadian A.J. Ewart emerged as the day’s standout, firing a career-low seven-under 64 to close the gap to four, and Brooks Koepka found a spark with a five-under 66 to re-enter the contention.
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Koepka, a five-time major winner returning to the PGA Tour after a stint with LIV Golf, reflected on his round: “If I’m out here just chasing cuts, I’m probably done. I didn’t hit it as well today—my driving wasn’t great, iron play wasn’t sharp—but the putting was better. I made a few adjustments after yesterday’s round. I need to play like I did on the opening day and then putt like I did today. I’ve got a good feeling the putting will turn around. It’s nice to see a red number.”
Meanwhile, Aaron Rai slipped to five-under after a 69, still the highest-placed Englishman at The Palm Beaches so far. Ireland’s Seamus Power delivered a strong second round, posting 67 to move to four under heading into the weekend.
Round three at the Cognizant Classic was moved up due to rain and will be broadcast on Sky Sports Golf from 3:00 p.m. local time. Viewers can subscribe to Sky Sports or stream via NOW with no contract.
