The United States team significantly expanded its lead in the second round of the 2026 Women’s PGA Cup on Friday, September 4, maintaining strong play in windy conditions at Carden Park’s Cheshire course. The Americans now hold a 22-stroke advantage over Canada, reaching 14-under par with a total of 424 through 36 holes. Great Britain & Ireland is currently in third place at 449.
Allie Knight, a PGA Teaching Professional from Knoxville, Tennessee, delivered the day’s lowest score, a bogey-free 4-under 69. Sandra Changkija, a PGA Assistant Golf Professional, contributed her second consecutive 2-under 71, while Playing Captain Ashley Grier, also a PGA Assistant Golf Professional, added a 1-under 72. These three scores accounted for the U.S. Team’s counting totals for the round.
Changkija leads the individual standings at 4-under, two strokes ahead of Great Britain & Ireland’s Sian Evans. Canada’s Diana McDonald is in third place at 1-under. Captain Grier emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting Knight’s exceptional play and Changkija’s consistent performance. She highlighted that the team format allows players to support each other, especially when individual rounds vary.
Knight’s round gained momentum with an 8-foot birdie putt on the par-4 fifth hole, breaking a string of pars. She continued her strong play on the back nine with birdies on the par-4 tenth and consecutive birdies on holes 14 and 15. Changkija recovered from an early bogey with birdies on the par-4 fifth and seventh holes. She also made a notable 40-foot chip-in for birdie on the par-4 18th, mirroring a long birdie putt on the same hole in the first round. Grier’s round was marked by a strong back nine, including consecutive birdies on holes 10 and 11.
The U.S. Team will conclude its quest for a fourth consecutive Women’s PGA Cup victory on Saturday at Carden Park, with final round starting times beginning at 8:30 a.m. BST. The team’s substantial lead has created an exciting atmosphere, with Captain Grier noting that the pressure has eased, allowing the players to focus on their individual games.
