The 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has showcased some of golf’s elite competitors over the first two rounds, but it’s the promising young talent, Akshay Bhatia, who stands out at the top of the leaderboard. After two rounds, Bhatia holds a share of the lead, demonstrating exceptional skill with a bogey-free performance at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.
Bhatia kicked off the tournament with a remarkable 65 at Pebble Beach on Thursday, followed by an impressive 8-under 64 at Spyglass Hill on Friday. His stellar iron play has been a significant factor in his success so far, placing him third in strokes gained on approach. With his game finely tuned tee-to-green and a perfect six-for-six in getting up-and-down, Bhatia has positioned himself well as the weekend approaches.
This year’s tournament has been marked by excellent scoring conditions, aided by light winds and soft greens. However, Bhatia is not alone at the summit; he is joined by Ryo Hisatsune, the rising star from Japan, who has also impressed with his performance. Following a brilliant first-round 62, Hisatsune maintained pressure on Bhatia with a solid 67, allowing him to stay tied for the lead.
In pursuit of the lead is Rickie Fowler, who delivered a stellar performance of his own with a 64 at Spyglass. Fowler finds himself at 14 under and is aiming for his first victory since 2023. Having struggled in previous years due to injury, Fowler has expressed that he is feeling better physically this season and has a renewed determination to compete at Pebble Beach.
As the competition heads into the weekend, players will need to adapt to potentially challenging weather conditions, with forecasts predicting wind gusts and rain starting Saturday afternoon. This could significantly affect play and will test the players’ abilities to perform under pressure.
The current leaderboard reflects the competitive spirit of the event, with Bhatia and Hisatsune tied at 15 under. Following closely are Fowler and Sam Burns at 14 under, while the field continues to feature notable names, including Hideki Matsuyama, Jordan Spieth, and defending champion Rory McIlroy.
Burns’ strong showing is largely attributed to his strong performance on the greens, while Straka, another contender, looks to build on last year’s success at Pebble Beach. As for Spieth, fans are hoping for signs of resurgence as he aims to return to form amidst a crowded leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler, who is nine shots off the lead, is also showing potential after bouncing back with a solid 66 on Friday. Given the unpredictable nature of tournament golf, he, along with others, still has an opportunity to make a significant push this weekend.
With Bhatia leading the charge, the upcoming rounds promise to be exciting as the players navigate the courses under changing weather conditions. This year’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am is shaping up to be a memorable event, highlighting both established veterans and rising talents in the world of golf.