Gay and Hend Share Senior PGA Championship Lead After Dramatic Second Round

Contrasting Paths to the Lead

The Senior PGA Championship's second round showcased two dramatically different routes to the top of the leaderboard. Brian Gay and Scott Hend both reached 10-under 134, but their journeys couldn't have been more different at Concession Golf Club.

Gay's Rollercoaster Round

Gay described his 68 as "pretty volatile," and the scorecard backed up that assessment. The American struggled mightily on the par-5s, finding bushes twice on the 17th hole alone and recording a double bogey. His 5-iron found trouble on the 13th, and even his par on the 3rd required a penalty drop after hitting into a palmetto bush.

Yet Gay's experience shone through with a spectacular finish: an eagle on the par-5 8th followed by a closing birdie that salvaged what could have been a disappointing round.

Hend's Strategic Brilliance

The Australian took a more methodical approach, carding 65 with five birdies over his final eight holes. Hend learned from Thursday's two double bogeys, focusing on course management and avoiding short-sided positions that had cost him strokes in the opening round.

"I wanted to play that nine a bit smarter," Hend explained, and his strategy paid dividends in the calmer morning conditions.

Chasing Pack Stays Close

Major champions Stewart Cink and Retief Goosen remain within striking distance at 8-under, with senior rookie Ben Crane joining them. Meanwhile, Bernhard Langer's remarkable consistency took a hit as the 68-year-old shot 76, falling eight shots behind after his opening 66.