Max Homa Builds Four-Shot Lead at WM Phoenix Open After Second-Round 64 at TPC Scottsdale

Max Homa seized control of the WM Phoenix Open today with a scintillating second-round 64, building a four-shot lead at 13-under-par as the American star thrilled the famously rowdy crowds at TPC Scottsdale with a bogey-free masterpiece. The 33-year-old from California fired eight birdies while playing flawless golf in front of over 200,000 spectators, pulling away from a packed leaderboard at the PGA Tour's most unique and entertaining event.

Homa's round was a clinic in precision and course management, as he consistently found fairways and attacked pins with the kind of confidence that has defined his most successful performances. The highlight came at the famous par-3 16th hole, where he landed a 7-iron to within four feet of the pin and made the birdie putt to the delight of the packed stadium surrounding the green. "The energy out here is incredible, and when you're playing well, it just feeds off that crowd," Homa said after his round. "I felt really comfortable with every club in my bag today, and when you're hitting it close, the putts start to fall."

The leaderboard behind Homa features a compelling mix of established stars and rising talent, with Hideki Matsuyama and Tony Finau tied for second at 9-under-par after solid rounds of 68 and 67 respectively. Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, showed his trademark precision with his iron play while managing the challenging desert winds that picked up during the afternoon rounds. Finau continued his consistent play that has made him one of the PGA Tour's most reliable performers, mixing six birdies with a lone bogey in a round that keeps him well within striking distance heading into the weekend.

The weekend setup promises fireworks as several big names lurk within range of Homa's lead, including Xander Schauffele at 8-under and rising star Ludvig Åberg at 7-under-par. Schauffele, a San Diego native who always plays well in front of West Coast crowds, made a late charge with three birdies in his final five holes to position himself for a weekend run at his first victory since last year's Olympics. The Swedish sensation Åberg continued to impress in just his second season on tour, demonstrating the poise and shot-making ability that have made him one of golf's most promising young talents.

Homa's performance was particularly impressive given the challenging scoring conditions that developed throughout the day, with gusty desert winds making club selection and ball-striking premium skills. The former Cal Bear showed why he has become one of the tour's most consistent players, never appearing rattled despite the intense atmosphere and maintaining his aggressive approach even when leading by multiple shots. His ability to thrive in high-pressure situations has been evident throughout his career, and today's round reinforced his reputation as someone who elevates his game on golf's biggest stages.

As the tournament heads into the weekend, all eyes will be on whether Homa can maintain his advantage against a leaderboard packed with talent and experience. The WM Phoenix Open has historically produced dramatic weekend finishes, and with Saturday's third round expected to feature even larger crowds and more challenging conditions, Homa knows he will need to continue his excellent play to claim his sixth PGA Tour victory. "Four-shot leads can evaporate quickly out here, especially with the quality of players behind me," Homa acknowledged. "I need to stay aggressive and keep making birdies, because I know these guys aren't going away." Saturday's third round will begin with ideal weather conditions, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting weekend of golf in the Arizona desert.