Bhatia and Hisatsune Share Pebble Beach Lead Heading Into Weekend
Akshay Bhatia and Ryo Hisatsune hold a one-stroke lead at 15-under par after two rounds of the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with the pair poised for an intense battle down the stretch at the signature event. Bhatia, the California-born golfer, posted back-to-back bogey-free rounds highlighted by a second-round 64 at Spyglass Hill, while Hisatsune, the 23-year-old Japanese star, cooled slightly to a 67 after an opening-round 62.
Just one shot back, Rickie Fowler charged up the leaderboard with a scorching 64 of his own, positioning the veteran for what could be his first victory since 2023. Fowler, 37, matched Bhatia’s second-round performance at Spyglass and now sits at 14-under par alongside Sam Burns, who also carded a 67 on Friday.
Ideal Conditions Create Scoring Bonanza
Soft greens and light winds along the California coast have produced exceptional scoring opportunities throughout the pebble beach pro am 2026. Bhatia’s precise iron play has been instrumental to his success, ranking third in strokes gained on approach through 36 holes. Similarly, Fowler has excelled with his approach shots, gaining 4.8 strokes on approach—the best in the field—and capitalizing on the premium placed on accuracy around Pebble Beach’s diminutive greens.
After battling a shoulder injury throughout 2025, Fowler has benefited from an extended offseason granted by his priority ranking. “Earn that time off and then be able to get into a position where I could get the body in a better spot and go play this year,” Fowler said. His early-season form validates that strategy, with two consecutive T18 finishes before this week’s surge.
Contenders Lurking Down the Leaderboard
Min Woo Lee, Sepp Straka, and Jacob Bridgeman occupy the third tier at 12-under par, with Tom Hoge and Jake Knapp at 11-under. Defending champion Rory McIlroy sits at 9-under, feeling he left several strokes on the table during Friday’s second round. Scottie Scheffler, despite opening with a 72 on Thursday, climbed back into contention with a second-round 66 and trails by nine shots, though inclement weather forecast for the final 36 holes may complicate his comeback bid.
Weekend Weather Could Prove Decisive
With challenging conditions expected Saturday and Sunday, controlling ball flight and maintaining speed control around the greens will prove essential. Industry observers project the winning score will hover around 20-under par, suggesting those currently atop the leaderboard possess significant cushions.
Bhatia has capitalized after a rocky start to 2026 marked by two missed cuts, finding form last week with a T3 finish in Phoenix. His pebble beach pro am 2026 performance demonstrates the danger when the two-time PGA Tour winner finds his rhythm. Fowler, meanwhile, has reversed a four-year victory drought and appears primed to challenge for his first title in three years.
