2024 Cognizant Classic scores: Rory McIlroy lurking as Bud Cauley leads at PGA National after Round 2

Cauley commands the 36-hole lead with plenty of star power on his heels heading into the weekend

Uproars of too many birdies and low scores Thursday at the 2024 Cognizant Classic gave way to blustery conditions and the PGA National course golf fans have come to know and love emerging on Friday. A day after playing about one and a half strokes under par, PGA National played about two strokes more difficult in the second round. While players struggled, Bud Cauley surged in the afternoon and heads into the weekend with the solo lead at 11 under. 

Windy during the middle portion of the day, Palm Beach experienced a reprieve from breezes towards the end of Round 2 aiding the early-late wave. Cauley was right there to take advantage as he signed for six birdies and no bogeys to card one of the rounds of the day at 6-under 65.

It's almost poetic that Cauley found his way to the top of the leaderboard after a hard day given his difficult journey to this point. Away from the sport for three years due to injury, the 33-year-old has had to scratch and claw back to this stage. In only the second PGA Tour start of this comeback, he finds himself with a chance to win.