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Chris Gotterup absolutely exploded at Aronimink, scorching the course with a stunning 6-under 65 in Round 2 of the 2026 PGA Championship. The scorching round catapulted the rising star up the leaderboard on a challenging Friday in Pennsylvania.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Gotterup’s Score: 6-under 65 in Round 2 at Aronimink
- Tournament Status: PGA Championship continues through May 17, 2026
- Course Difficulty: Aronimink proved stringent with firm greens and gusty wind
- Career Momentum: Already a 2-time PGA Tour winner in 2026 season
A Masterclass Under Pressure
Gotterup’s brilliant 65 showcased why he has firmly established himself as one of golf’s rising talents. The 26-year-old American navigated Aronimink’s brutal conditioning with precision, avoiding unnecessary mistakes and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. His ball-striking was crisp and his short game immaculate, allowing him to rack up six birdies across his round.
Playing in Friday’s afternoon grouping, Gotterup posted the kind of low round that stands out on major championship Fridays. The 6-under performance demonstrated maturity in handling major pressure and marked a statement round in pursuit of Aronimink’s Wanamaker Trophy.
Chris Gotterup shoots 65 at Aronimink, posts low round at PGA Championship
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Aronimink’s Challenging Setup Tests the Field
The 108th PGA Championship has proven to be a stern examination for even the world’s best players. Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania has delivered firm greens, demanding pin placements, and gusty wind conditions that have made scoring difficult all week. The course played at par-70 and yielded only modest scoring in the opening round.
Gotterup’s 65 stands out against this backdrop, proving he can deliver under championship pressure. The narrow fairways and thick rough at Aronimink typically reward precision, and that’s exactly what Gotterup displayed on Friday afternoon.
Rising Star With Momentum
| Achievement | Details |
| 2026 PGA Tour Wins | 2 victories (WM Phoenix Open, Sony Open) |
| Age | 26 years old, born July 20, 1999 |
| Rutgers Background | Big Ten Player of the Year, 2019-20 |
| PGA Tour Career | Breakout 2025 season with multiple wins |
Gotterup entered the PGA Championship with proven credentials. His momentum from winning twice on the PGA Tour this season positioned him as a legitimate contender at Aronimink. The T-14 finish at Quail weeks prior had further elevated his confidence heading into this major.
“I’m hitting the ball well and my short game has been sharp. I just need to stay focused and let it happen.”
According to Golf Channel coverage, Gotterup outlined his approach to championship golf this week.
What Comes Next for Gotterup
With two rounds completed at Aronimink, Gotterup sits in strong position to contend for the Wanamaker Trophy. The weekend rounds typically separate pretenders from contenders at major championships, and his 67 in Round 1 plus this stunning 65 demonstrate he can perform when stakes are highest.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler leads the field, but Gotterup has shown he belongs in any conversation about who will hoist the trophy at Aronimink. His low round Friday marks him as a serious threat heading into the crucial weekend.
Is Gotterup Ready for His First Major Victory?
At 26 years old, Gotterup has already accomplished more than many players twice his age. His two PGA Tour wins in 2026 prove he knows how to close in high-pressure situations. A major championship would cement his legacy and represent a quantum leap in his already-impressive career trajectory at Aronimink.
Sources
- The Times – Chris Gotterup cards superb 65 in PGA Championship Round 2
- The Guardian – US PGA Championship day two live updates featuring Gotterup’s low round
- PGA Championship Official – Tournament coverage and leaderboard updates from Aronimink
