At the end of a day that featured heat, humidity and an hour-long rain delay, Utah’s Brock Porter has made the cut and sits in the top 20 following the second round of the 48th Junior PGA Championships at Congressional Country Club.
St. George’s Brock Porter remains the high Utah performer after a 2-over 73 on Congressional’s Gold Course saw him finish in a tie for 17th at even par for the Junior PGA Championship. In the Boys Division, the cutline was 4-over, with 66 advancing to play on Thursday. A second cut will be made after 54 holes to the low-30 girls and low-30 boys, plus ties.
The St. George resident posted an impressive 2-under 70 on the better known Blue Course in Tuesday’s opening round to tie for the lead, but ran into a tough challenge on the fast and firm conditions of day two.
“It was pretty tough out there. I didn’t have all of my game, but I just kept grinding and tried to do the best I could and finish well,” Porter said.
Doing his best included an eagle 3 on the par 5 7th.
“I hit a 4 iron and I was hoping it would hit right of the bunker and it ended up bouncing on and running up to about six feet-and then I made it, so that was nice.”
The top 60 and ties make the first cut here at Congressional, and now Porter trails the co-lead by 5 shots.
What’s the focus heading into tomorrow?
“I’ve just got to stay steady out there. Anything can happen, so I will try and hit it a little better and do my best to roll some good putts.”
Toa Ofahengaue finished his championship outside the 5-over cutline after another 4-over round put him at 8-over for the event.
Lincoln Markham finished his championship at 10-over par after a 6-over 77 on the Gold Course.
“This is a course and event where you’ve just got to enjoy it, really. This is my last junior event because I’m eighteen right now so this is definitely a good one to cap it off,” Markham said on Monday afternoon before the opening round began on Tuesday.
In the Girls Division, Emma Lillywhite finished at 16-over for both days after a 6-over 78 on the Blue. Navy Hubbs shot 22-over for both days after an 85 today.
For more information about the Junior PGA Championships, visit JuniorPGAChampionship.com and follow on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
Written by Fairways Media freelancer Garrett Johnston a golf podcaster and writer who hosts the Beyond the Clubhouse Podcast with Tour pros, caddies and broadcasters. He lives in Washington, DC and you can follow him on Instagram @garrettjohnstongolf.