Hisatsune Sets Pace at Pebble Beach Amid Gotterup's Remarkable Birdie Run
In a thrilling display of skill at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Ryo Hisatsune surged to the top of the leaderboard with a stellar 62, while Chris Gotterup captivated fans by extending his birdie streak to an impressive nine consecutive shots over two rounds. The action unfolded on Friday, February 13, 2026, with Hisatsune holding a narrow one-shot advantage over Keegan Bradley and Sam Burns.
Gotterup's Hot Streak Lights Up the Course
Chris Gotterup, fresh off a playoff victory at the Phoenix Open last week, continued his dominant form by shooting an 8-under 64. He began his round with a short birdie putt on the first hole, followed by a 10-foot putt on the par-5 second and a near-perfect wedge shot on the third, racking up six birdies through the first six holes. This performance left him just two shots behind Hisatsune, showcasing his momentum in this season where he has already secured two wins.
Hisatsune's Flawless Round and McIlroy's Struggles
Ryo Hisatsune, aged 23, delivered a masterclass with three straight birdies early in his round, the only birdie on the challenging par-4 ninth, and a closing trio of birdies to card his 62. In contrast, defending champion Rory McIlroy faced difficulties in his first PGA Tour start of the year. Playing at Spyglass Hill, McIlroy struggled on the par-5s, recording a pair of three-putt double bogeys that resulted in a 68 for the round, highlighting the tough conditions at a course where the average score was about 1.5 strokes higher than at Pebble Beach.
Notable Performances and Tournament Context
Scottie Scheffler managed to avoid joining the 12 players who failed to break par by birdieing the par-5 18th at Pebble Beach, adding to the competitive drama. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am stands as this year's sole stop on the PGA Tour, drawing top talent and intense focus from the golfing world. With Hisatsune leading and Gotterup's hot streak continuing, the tournament promises more excitement as players vie for supremacy on these iconic courses.
