Scottie Scheffler continued his impressive streak of rounds under par at The Players Championship, marking his 25th consecutive round despite facing challenges on the course. Scheffler battled neck pain that required treatment during the round, affecting his swing and putting him behind Wyndham Clark.
Clark, unaware of Scheffler's struggles, put on a stellar performance with four consecutive birdies on the front nine, finishing with a 7-under 65. This strong showing gave him a four-shot lead over Xander Schauffele and Nick Taylor, who also navigated tough conditions on the course.
Despite his neck issues, Scheffler managed to shoot a 3-under 69 and expressed relief at completing the round. He remains hopeful that he will recover in time for the weekend, especially after his recent victory at Bay Hill.
Clark's impressive play continued as he finished the front nine with a 30, ultimately posting a 14-under 130 after 36 holes. Schauffele and Taylor also stayed in contention, with Schauffele recovering from a double bogey with an eagle on the 16th.
Other notable performances included Matt Fitzpatrick and Maverick McNealy, who remained in the mix despite some setbacks. However, top players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth faced challenges and were at risk of missing the cut.
Rory McIlroy had a turbulent round, finishing eight shots behind Clark. Scheffler's determination to stay in the tournament despite his injury showcased his resilience and fighting spirit.
The second round was set to conclude on Saturday morning due to darkness, with Clark emerging as a formidable contender for the title. His rise in the golf world has been notable, with significant victories and a strong world ranking.
