How to Watch 2026 Memorial Tournament Round 2 on Friday

There's something about Friday mornings at Muirfield Village that feels like possibility itself. The dew still clings to those immaculate fairways, the leader board remains fluid, and the course Jack built starts to separate pretenders from contenders. This week marks the 50th edition of the Memorial Tournament, and after Thursday's opening salvo, we're set up for a compelling second round.

A Four-Way Traffic Jam at the Top

Five under par doesn't sound like a number that would give anyone separation at a Signature Event, but that's where we find ourselves heading into Friday. Former U.S. Open champions J.J. Spaun and Wyndham Clark both crafted five-under 67s to share the lead, proving that major championship pedigree translates well on this particular piece of Dublin, Ohio real estate.

They're joined by Tommy Fleetwood, the world's eighth-ranked player, who posted perhaps the most impressive card of the day—a bogey-free 67 that showcased the Englishman's ball-striking at its finest. Ryan Gerard rounds out the quartet at the top.

Meanwhile, the star power lurks just a few shots back. Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth both navigated Muirfield Village to one-under 71s, keeping themselves well within striking distance. The biggest story from Thursday, however, might be Scottie Scheffler's struggles. The two-time defending Memorial champion and current World No. 1 carded a one-over 73, leaving him six shots off the pace with plenty of work ahead.

How to Watch Round 2

With $20 million in total purse money on the line, you'll want multiple viewing options for Friday's action:

Television Coverage

Golf Channel will carry second-round coverage from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET on Friday. This is when the leaders will be making their way around Muirfield Village, so set your afternoon schedule accordingly.

Streaming Options

For those wanting to catch the morning wave—and trust me, there's something magical about watching golf while the rest of America sits in traffic—PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ begins coverage at 7:45 a.m. ET. The streaming service will also provide featured group and featured hole coverage throughout the day.

The GOLF App will carry a simulcast of Golf Channel's Friday television coverage for those who prefer that platform.

Early coverage: ESPN+ starting at 7:45 a.m. ET
TV coverage: Golf Channel from 2-6 p.m. ET
App streaming: GOLF App simulcast during TV window

What to Watch For

Muirfield Village has a way of making you pay on the weekend if you haven't positioned yourself properly by Friday evening. The course demands precision off the tee and deft touch around the greens—which explains why Fleetwood's bogey-free round stands out so prominently.

Keep an eye on Scheffler. The man has won the last two Memorial Tournaments, and writing him off after one poor round would be foolish. His game has a way of clicking into place when it matters most, and this course clearly suits his eye.

The cut will start to loom large in afternoon pairings. With a loaded field celebrating five decades of Jack Nicklaus's vision, nobody wants to spend Saturday watching from their couch.

Takeaway

The 50th Memorial Tournament is shaping up to deliver the drama such a milestone deserves. With multiple major champions bunched near the top and the defending champion fighting to make a move, Friday's round at Muirfield Village promises to set the stage for a memorable weekend. Get ESPN+ streaming early, clear your afternoon calendar for Golf Channel, and settle in for what Jack's course does best—test the world's finest players.