J.J. Spaun may never tuck in his shirt again.
After making waves through the golf world last week at the Sentry Tournament of Champions with his wardrobe choice, Spaun kept the relaxed vibes going at Waialae Country Club Friday during the second round of the Sony Open.
Just days removed from a T-5 finish at the Plantation Course, Spaun is in position to contend for his second career PGA Tour win (his first was the 2022 Valero Texas Open). He’s tied with Taylor Montgomery for second, one shot behind the 36-hole leader, Chris Kirk.
Montgomery has continued his great play from the end of 2022, when he finished inside the top 20 in six of seven starts during the wrap-around campaign. In fact, out of all Tour players, he’s the most under-par so far this season (83 under).
If you missed the action Friday night, don’t worry, we have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know from the second round of the Sony Open.
Chris Kirk looking to end monster drought
Chris Kirk’s last PGA Tour win came 2,791 days ago (nearly eight years). He’s looking to end that drought this weekend.
Thanks to rounds of 64-65, aided by just two bogeys through 36 holes, Kirk holds the outright lead with two days left.
“I’ve felt good about the way my swing has been this week. I’ve driven the ball for the most part really well,” Kirk said after his round. “Hit a lot of really quality irons shots and wedge shots. Didn’t quite make as many putts today as yesterday maybe, but I feel like I’m rolling the ball really nicely. I’m hitting my lines. My speed has been pretty good. Just more of the same recipe.”
He was also asked about his long journey from battling depression and alcoholism to where he is now.
Chris Kirk overcame alcohol abuse and depression to battle his way back to the TOUR.
He takes the solo lead into the weekend @SonyOpenHawaii searching for his first win in nearly 8 years. pic.twitter.com/kGiTlyElTg
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 14, 2023
Now that’s an easy guy to root for.
He’ll play with Montgomery in the final group on Saturday.
Jordan Spieth makes history (and not the good kind)
Jordan Spieth was a first-round co-leader and looked as though he mighr be ready for a late-weekend run at his 14th PGA Tour win.
Then Friday happened.
Thanks to a day two 5-over 75, Spieth is now the first player since 2020 to lead or co-lead after the first round and go on to miss the cut (Matt Every, Arnold Palmer Invitational). He’s the seventh player to do so in the last 10 years.
Spieth is not in the field for next week’s loaded American Express.
Mackenzie Hughes' balancing act
It hasn’t been seen many times on Tour, but when a player loses their balance and falls into the water, it always makes for a viral moment.
We almost got another one Friday when Mackenize Hughes played his ball as it rested mere inches from the drink. After contact, his caddie had to grab his shirt so he wouldn’t tip backward.
That’s a good friend.
Clutch caddie with the save 😅@MacHughesGolf flirting with the water @SonyOpenHawaii 😳 pic.twitter.com/9Z5a7TKmpH
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 13, 2023
Shot of the Day: Adam Svensson cards a 1
🚨 ACE ALERT 🚨@AdamSvensson59 one-hops it in to get right inside the cutline! pic.twitter.com/byVbRVZo2Z
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 14, 2023
Odds after day two
Odds for the Sony Open heading into the weekend #pgatour
Montgomery (+400)
Kirk (+450)
Spaun (+550)
Buckley (+1200)
Lipsky (+1600)
Poston (+2000)
McNealy (+2200)
McCarthy (+3500)— Riley (@rileyhamel_) January 14, 2023
