PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Amidst the anticipation of a potential Taylor Swift sighting at Pebble Beach, golfers Akshay Bhatia and Ryo Hisatsune quietly took charge of the leaderboard at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. With outstanding performances at Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach, both players concluded the second round with a shared lead of 15-under 129, marking the lowest 36-hole score since the tournament adopted a two-course format in 2024.
Bhatia maintained a bogey-free game over the two rounds, achieving six birdies and a remarkable 50-foot eagle chip-in on the 14th hole, finishing with a score of 64. Hisatsune, who began strong with a 62 at Pebble Beach, faced some challenges during his round, including consecutive bogeys, which he countered with crucial birdies and another eagle for a final score of 67.
Trailing just one shot behind were Rickie Fowler and Sam Burns, who each played at Spyglass Hill. Prominent golfers like Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, and defending champion Rory McIlroy were also in close pursuit, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler made some progress with a 66 but remained nine shots behind the leaders.
Speculation surrounded the event, not for the scores but for the possibility of Swift attending to support her fiancé, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Although her absence was noted, her involvement seemed to have a significant impact on ticket sales, generating an impressive $60,000 in revenue after Kelce’s announcement, with an additional $21,000 in a pre-event sales spike.
The crowd enjoyed a spirited atmosphere, which Mackenzie Hughes remarked would have been even more frenetic had Swift made an appearance. As the players navigated the course, the best weather conditions from Thursday allowed for impressive scoring, especially for the leaders.
Spieth felt the morning’s conditions were beneficial but noted the course could become more challenging in the following days. Players noted that the absence of a 36-hole cut for the signature event kept every competitor, including notable amateurs like Kelce and Pau Gasol, in the running.
Bhatia, who recently tied for third in the Phoenix Open, enjoyed a remarkable streak of 44 consecutive bogey-free holes over his last three rounds, highlighting his steadiness on the course. His consistent putting has been a key factor in his performance, leading to a comfortable groove in play.
Meanwhile, McIlroy, making his U.S. debut this year, faced difficulties with three-putt double bogeys that hindered his momentum. He expressed frustration over missed opportunities, feeling he had not capitalized on favorable starts.
As players look ahead to the concluding rounds at Pebble Beach, Hisatsune expressed hopes for favorable weather conditions, anticipating that the course may challenge them as it typically does.
While the presence of Taylor Swift remains uncertain, the excitement at Pebble Beach continues to build with every swing of the clubs, creating a blend of celebrities and sportsmanship that embodies the spirit of the Pro-Am.