Collin Morikawa Makes His Move in Detroit; Max Homa Misses Cut

Former Cal golfers Collin Morikawa and Max Homa went in opposite directions on Friday at the Rocket Classic.

Morikawa pushed himself into contention for his first title since October 2023 with a second-round score of 8-under-par 64 at the Detroit Golf Club, leaving him at 11-under heading into Saturday's third round.

That still puts him three shots off the lead, which is shared by Philip Knowles, Chris Kirk and Andrew Putnam at 14-under. But it moved Morikawa from a tie for 58th place after the first round to a tie for eighth heading into the weekend.

The round of the day was turned in by Jake Knapp, who set a course record with an 11-under-par 61 on Friday. But Morikawa has to be satisfied with his round after struggling a bit on Thursday.

Morikawa started his round on fire, carding birdies on the first three holes, then getting an eagle-3 on No. 7, leaving him at 5-under after seven holes. He couldn't quite keep up that pace but did record three more birdies with no bogeys to finish the round on a high note.

On Friday Morikawa used a different putter from the one he used on Thursday, so we can assume he will use the same putter on Saturday.

The day was not as successful for Homa.

Homa was one of the early second-round starters Friday, and he shot a 2-under-par 70 to leave him at 3-under for the tournament.

However, that was not close to earning him a spot on the weekend, because the cut line was 6-under, three shots better than Homa's total.

It is seventh time this year Homa has failed to make the cut and the second time in his past three tournaments he had to go home after two rounds.

In his seven tournaments since finishing tied for 12th at the Masters, Homa has not finished higher than 30th in any of them.

Homa has been one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour, thanks to his engaging personality and humorous takes on events. But he is suffering through a prolonged slump.

Ranked as high as No. 5 in the world in April 2023, Homa is ranked 96th this week. He won't be eligible to compete in The Open in Northern Ireland next month.

Two other former Cal golfers made the cut, but just barely. Byeong Hun An shot a 3-under 69 on Friday to leave him at 7-under for the tournament, and Michal Kim made it to Saturday right on the cutline, shooting a 1-under par round of 71 to put him a 6-under for the event.

Kim, who started on the 10th tee, had three birdies on his first eight holes, but things got a little dicey on his second nine. He had two bogeys on his final seven holes, including one on his 18th hole of the day.

An is tied for 49th and Kim is tied for 64th place.

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