Darren Fichardt has parlayed three starts off Monday qualifiers during the 2026 season into the 43rd position in Charles Schwab Cup standings.
Now he's in position for greater things. Fichardt, 51, shot a red-hot 11-under 61 on Saturday in the second round of the Simmons Bank Championship, where he was on 59 watch for a good portion of the day.
Fichardt opened with a par but then went birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie to get to 5 under through five. After a par on No. 6, he strung together five straight birdies to get to 10 under through 11.
He cooled off from there, making six straight pars before closing with a birdie at the par-5 18th to post a 28-33—61. He walked off the course at 14 under and held a three-shot lead with two golfers at 11 under.
One
of those chasing is Zach Johnson, who leads the circuit with six wins. He had the first-round lead after his 8-under 64. He was at 11 under when Fichardt signed his card. Also at 11 under is Henrik Stenson.
Stephen Ames and Steven Alker were tied for fifth at 10 under late in their rounds.
Go to Golfweek.com to keep tabs on the latest news from the PGA Tour Champions.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Darren Fichardt goes on 59 watch, leads PGA Tour Champions event, climbs in points
