Hatton, Legion XIII lead at halfway stage of LIV Golf Andalucia

SAN ROQUE: Tyrrell Hatton is looking to make a statement in his first start since becoming a father, carding a second-round 69 to move to 6-under par and take sole possession of the lead at the halfway stage at LIV Golf Andalucía 2026.

The Englishman, who missed last week’s event in Korea following the birth of his first child, went out in 36 before a more productive back nine of 33. He sits two shots clear of Thomas Detry heading into the weekend at Real Club Valderrama.

It was a day that belonged in no small part to Legion XIII. While Hatton was building his lead at the top, teammate Jon Rahm was producing one of the more eye-catching rounds on the course. The Spaniard, who had cut a frustrated figure after a 2-over opening round in front of his home crowd, came out swinging on Friday with a 4-under 67, tying for low round of the day. Rahm moved to 2-under for the tournament and sits T7, in prime position for a weekend charge.

Defending champion Taylor Gooch also announced himself emphatically. Gooch, who has won two of the last three LIV Golf tournaments at Valderrama, made his move on Friday with a 4-under 67 that featured four birdies on the back nine and moved him all the way to a tie for third at 3-under. Gooch has a habit of finding his best golf when it matters most at this venue, and the field would be wise to keep a close eye on him this weekend.

Harold Varner III matched Rahm and Gooch with his own 67, making it three players who shared the low round of the day. It was quietly impressive from a player who had also opened with a 73 on Thursday. 

The Open Championship qualifying picture sharpened considerably on Friday. Detry followed his opening 68 with a steady 70 to sit alone in second at 4-under, two