Gerard takes solo lead at BMW PGA as Reed withdraws with injury

Ryan Gerard has moved into the solo lead at the 2026 BMW PGA Championship, holding a 12-under-par total after the second round at Wentworth. The American’s position was secured by a rapid finish that saw him record three under par on his final two holes, including an eagle on the 17th. This surge pushed him past Adam Scott, who had been sitting in the clubhouse with a 10-under-par lead.

The tournament, taking place one week ahead of the Presidents Cup on U.S. soil, saw a significant shift in the Race to Dubai standings with the withdrawal of Patrick Reed. The 2018 Masters champion and current leader of the rankings was forced to retire after striking a tree root on the ninth hole. Reed’s second round had been difficult, with a front-nine score of 44 that included a triple bogey and two double bogeys before he left the course.

Rory McIlroy has moved into contention following a second-round 67, positioning himself at 8 under par alongside J.J. Spaun and Ryan Fox. McIlroy, a former winner of the event, carded birdies on the final two par 5s to close his round. With Reed’s exit, McIlroy now has the opportunity to usurp him at the top of the Race to Dubai standings, a prospect he described as a chance to claw back ground lost in recent weeks.

Adam Scott, who had held the lead prior to Gerard’s final stretch, remains in the mix at 10 under par. The veteran Australian praised the atmosphere at Wentworth, noting that the event sits close to the level of major championships due to the course conditions and the fan experience. Scott expressed his desire to be in with a chance for the title on Sunday.

Other notable players in the field include PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, who stands at 9 under par, and Ryan Fox, the current Champion Golfer of the Year. Fox, who has previously won the BMW PGA Championship, is tied with McIlroy and Spaun at 8 under par. Gerard’s victory would see him join Billy Horschel and Arnold Palmer as American winners of the event.

Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion, missed the cut after a slow start to the tournament. The Spanish golfer signed for rounds of 78 and 77, leaving him as the last player on the leaderboard as he walked off the course.