Gary Woodland Takes Commanding Lead at 2026 Houston Open
Gary Woodland has moved three shots clear at the top of the leaderboard after a stunning 7-under 63 in the second round of the 2026 Houston Open. The 41-year-old American golfer carded a 64 and 63 to reach 13 under overall, a remarkable turnaround considering his recent health struggles. Woodland's impressive form has been fueled by his season-best T14 finish at the Valspar Championship last week, and he has been phenomenal in Houston, leading the field in strokes gained on approach and strokes gained putting.
Woodland's recent return to form has been a welcome sight for fans, and he will have plenty of support as he bids to capture his fifth career PGA Tour victory. However, he must fend off a strong group of contenders, including Nicolai Højgaard and Jackson Suber, who both shot 62 to reach 10 under and stay within reach of Woodland.
The Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard and American golfer Jackson Suber are Woodland's closest challengers, having carded 62s to reach 10 under. Woodland's recent struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder seem to have lifted a significant weight off his shoulders, allowing him to play his best golf in quite some time.
Memorial Park Golf Course has been kind to Woodland in the past, as he finished in a tie for second place last year alongside Scottie Scheffler. Now, he's looking to do one better and claim his first win since the 2019 U.S. Open.
Nicolai Højgaard's impressive 62 will give him a chance to challenge Gary Woodland's lead, but the Danish golfer will need to find consistency over the weekend to stay in contention. Woodland's recent form suggests he's a strong contender to win his fifth PGA Tour title, and his leadership will be put to the test as he navigates the pressures of contending on the weekend.
