Jordan Smith Leads Charles Schwab Challenge by Two Shots

Jordan Smith holds a two-shot lead at the halfway point of the Charles Schwab Challenge after carding a second consecutive 65 at Colonial Country Club. The Englishman, a PGA Tour rookie, sits at 10 under par, one stroke ahead of a group of four players and two clear of reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun.

Smith secured the solo lead with a 31-foot birdie putt on the par-3 16th hole, part of a round that included 181 feet of made putts. He acknowledged the novelty of his position, stating he plans to enjoy the experience without forcing the outcome. Tied for second at 9 under are 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, Michael Thorbjornsen, Ryan Gerard, and 2023 British Open champion Brian Harman.

Spaun, who shot a 2-under 68 on Friday, is part of a five-way tie at 8 under. He surged up the leaderboard with four birdies on his front nine before a pair of late bogeys. The world No. 9 said a recent putter change has improved his confidence on the greens, an area he identified as his primary issue this season. His ball-striking, he noted, has remained solid.

The tournament has seen low scoring through 36 holes, with 154 sub-par rounds matching a course record set in 2010. Hot, dry...