PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Austin Smotherman fired a 2-under 69 in the second round to extend his lead to three shots at the Cognizant Classic. Brooks Koepka and Ben Silverman both advanced to the weekend after strong rebound performances at PGA National.
Smotherman Maintains Hot Streak
Smotherman drained a 55-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th hole, staying red-hot and entering Saturday at 11 under. Taylor Moore sits alone in second place at 8 under following back-to-back 67s. A.J. Ewart carded the day’s low round with a 64 to reach 7 under, tying Nico Echavarria for third.
Koepka Bounces Back Strongly
Koepka, a five-time major champion and Palm Beach County native, shot 5-under 66 to trim eight strokes off his opening 74. He now stands at 2 under, nine shots behind the leader, after hitting just six of 14 fairways but improving significantly on the greens with six birdies.
“If I’m out here to try to make cuts, I’m probably done,” Koepka said. He has made two of three cuts since returning to the PGA Tour this year after nearly four years on LIV Golf.
“I hit it a lot worse today,” Koepka added. “Didn’t drive it nearly as good. Iron play wasn’t as good, but the putter was better. Made a few adjustments after the round yesterday.”
Silverman Grabs Alternate Spot
Silverman, a Jupiter resident just 15 minutes from the course, posted a 3-under 67 to shave six shots from his first-round 73, also landing at 2 under. He entered as the 15th alternate and got the call after Daniel Berger’s original groupmate Will Zalatoris withdrew with an ankle injury before Round 1.
“My focus going into the week was I’m taking a week off at home, and if I get in, great,” Silverman said. “I was 15th alternate Sunday. I moved to 13th Monday morning, then that moved to fourth Monday afternoon… Once they pulled out Wednesday, then it was, ‘Maybe I’ve got a chance now.’ I was pretty excited when it happened.”
The local alternated early alarms and long days at the course, including two gym sessions and warm-ups Thursday morning. “It was awesome,” he said. “Honestly, I would love to play in a group like that every day, major winners, multiple PGA Tour winners. It’s a different vibe, different energy amongst the players, amongst the crowd. I like that environment. That’s where I want to be.”
Ewart’s Local Connection
Ewart, who played college golf at Barry University in Miami Shores, called the event somewhat of a home game despite never having competed there before. “Coming into the week, I had never actually played the golf course, but I felt like I knew it just from watching it,” he said. “It feels good.”
He recalled hazy memories of following Koepka as a fan. “Couple too many drinks sitting in the Bear Trap,” Ewart admitted, referencing holes 15-17.
Koepka commented on Silverman’s debut: “I think he’ll enjoy his sleep tonight.”
