England’s Aaron Rai fired a seven-under 65 on Friday to join Akshay Bhatia at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
The 29-year-old carded seven birdies, including three-in-a-row at the end of the front nine and two straight to close out his round, to equal Bhatia’s two-stroke lead at Detroit Golf Club.
The American co-leader followed up an opening round of 64 with a five under 67 on Friday.
Leaderboard thru 36 holes @RocketClassic:
T1. @AkshayBhatia_1 -13T1. Aaron Rai T3. Taylor Montgomery -11T3. @TroyMerritt_PGA T3. @FredVR_ T3. Cameron YoungT7. Eric Cole -10T7. @CamDavisGolf T7. @Joel_Dahmen
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 29, 2024
The pair are chased by a four-strong pack tied on 11 under, while three players are a shot further back.
Neal Shipley, who was the low amateur at the Masters and the US Open, is also in contention in his first PGA Tour event as a pro.
He carded a four under 68 in the second round to sit four shots back.
Defending champion Rickie Fowler is on six under and has some work to do to retain his title following an even 72 on Friday.
The English trio of David Skinns, Callum Tarren and Harry Hall will all play on Saturday after making the cut.