2026 Truist Championship: Friday Tee Times and Who to Watch at Quail Hollow

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Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The 2026 Truist Championship is churning along, and Friday, May 8th, is where things really start to get interesting. We’re talking about the second round, folks, and it’s all going down at the notoriously tough Quail Hollow in North Carolina. If you’re looking to follow your favorite players, or maybe just soak in some high-stakes golf drama, you need to know who’s teeing off when and where. No beating around the bush here.This event, another Signature Event on the PGA Tour, is a big deal. It’s not just about the trophy; it’s about positioning. For some, like Rickie Fowler, it’s about solidifying a comeback. He’s been grinding, putting up some solid top-10s recently, and he’s actually in a decent spot in the FedEx Cup standings. That’s good news. It means he’s back in the mix, eyeing that Tour Championship. And this week, he’s got a real shot at a win. You gotta respect the hustle. He’s been on the PGA Tour long enough to know how to close, and Quail Hollow is a beast that rewards smart, strategic play.Fowler’s also got a bit of a schedule shift for Friday. After kicking off on the back nine, he’s moving to the front side for Round 2. And he’s not alone. He’s grouped up with some serious talent. You’ve got Alex Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland. Yeah, you heard that right. This is the kind of grouping that makes you want to park yourself in front of the TV or, if you’re lucky, be out there in person. Hovland, always a threat. Fitzpatrick, showing he belongs. And Fowler, proving he’s not done yet. This is the kind of golf we tune in for.

Friday's Featured Groups: The Ones You Can't Miss

When it comes to the second round, there are a few tee times that are absolutely mandatory viewing. These aren’t just random pairings; these are groups stacked with players who can flat-out win. If you’re trying to figure out where the action will be, start here.For those of you who like to plan your viewing schedule, here’s the breakdown. You can catch the action on the Golf Channel from 2-6 p.m. ET. If you want the early bird special, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ has you covered starting at 7:30 a.m. ET. They’ll have featured groups and holes, so you won’t miss a single crucial shot.Let’s talk about the big names and their Friday tee times. You want to know when Rory McIlroy is playing? Or when Jordan Spieth is looking to make a move? We’ve got you covered. These times are critical, especially on a course like Quail Hollow, where momentum is everything. A good start to Friday can set you up for the weekend, while a shaky one can send you packing.

Tee No. 1: The Morning Rush

The day kicks off early on Tee No. 1. These guys are getting out there before most of us have even finished our first cup of coffee.

11:00 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Patrick Rodgers, Sam Stevens. A solid start to the day. Hoge can get it going.
11:11 a.m. – Tony Finau, Daniel Berger, Austin Smotherman. Finau’s a powerhouse, Berger’s a fighter. Keep an eye on this group.
11:22 a.m. – Gary Woodland, Akshay Bhatia, Ben Griffin. Woodland’s a major winner, Bhatia’s got game.
11:33 a.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay. Burns is always a contender, and Cantlay? He’s a machine when he’s on.
11:44 a.m. – J.J. Spaun, Robert MacIntyre, Sungjae Im. Im is a consistent performer, always in the hunt.
11:55 a.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Webb Simpson, Andrew Putnam. Simpson’s a former U.S. Open champ, knows how to win.
12:06 p.m. – Lucas Glover, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Kristoffer Reitan. Glover’s got that veteran savvy.
12:17 p.m. – Adam Scott, Ryo Hisatsune, Pierceson Coody. Scott’s a former Masters champ, still has the magic.
12:28 p.m. – Tommy Fleetwood, Brian Harman, Ludvig Åberg. Fleetwood’s a fan favorite, Harman can be lethal. Åberg is the young gun to watch.
12:39 p.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose. Now this is what we’re talking about. McIlroy, a perennial threat. Matt Fitzpatrick, a major winner. Rose, a past U.S. Open champ. This group is pure class and pure pressure.
12:50 p.m. – Alex Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler. The featured group we mentioned. This is where the buzz will be. Three guys with different stories but the same goal: to win.
1:01 p.m. – Matt McCarty, Bud Cauley, Chandler Blanchet. A solid group to round out the morning on No. 1.

Tee No. 10: The Afternoon Push

Over on the 10th tee, the action continues with another set of compelling pairings. These tee times are crucial for making the cut.

11:00 a.m. – Jason Day, Michael Kim, David Lipsky. Day’s a former World No. 1, still capable of brilliance.
11:11 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Ryan Gerard, Alex Noren. Kitayama has the power.
11:22 a.m. – Sepp Straka, Hideki Matsuyama, Jordan Spieth. Spieth is always must-watch TV. Matsuyama is a Masters champ. Straka’s a dangerous player.
11:33 a.m. – Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas. All three are major contenders. Schauffele is overdue for a big one. Thomas is a former PGA Champion. Young has the game to match anyone. This is another heavyweight bout.
11:44 a.m. – Chris Gotterup, Ryan Fox, Si Woo Kim. Kim’s a multiple winner and can get hot.
11:55 a.m. – Aldrich Potgieter, Sahith Theegala, Max Homa. Theegala’s got that infectious energy. Homa is a proven winner.
12:06 p.m. – Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Alex Smalley. All capable players looking to climb the leaderboard.
12:17 p.m. – Min Woo Lee, Matt Wallace, Denny McCarthy. Lee has a huge following and the game to back it up.
12:28 p.m. – Ricky Castillo, Andrew Novak, Corey Conners. Conners is known for his precision.
12:39 p.m. – Nico Echavarria, Keegan Bradley, Harris English. Bradley’s a PGA Champion and a strong competitor.
12:50 p.m. – Nick Taylor, Maverick McNealy, Harry Hall. Taylor’s a proven winner on tour.
1:01 p.m. – Brian Campbell, J.T. Poston, Nicolai Højgaard. Poston can be a serious threat when he finds his rhythm.

The Stakes at Quail Hollow

Quail Hollow isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a course that demands respect. The Green Mile, the stretch of holes 16, 17, and 18, is legendary for its difficulty. This is where tournaments are often won or lost. Players need to be dialed in mentally and physically to navigate these closing holes.For the players, making the cut is the immediate goal. But beyond that, it’s about positioning themselves for Saturday and Sunday. A good round on Friday can give you the confidence and the cushion you need to attack the course over the weekend. A bad one? Well, it can put you in a hole you might not be able to dig out of.And let’s not forget the spectators and those who like a little action on the side. If you’re looking to place a bet on the Truist Championship, there are options available. Signing up with Fanatics Sportsbook, for example, might get you a special welcome offer. Just a heads-up for those who like to add a little extra excitement to their golf watching.

Rickie Fowler's Comeback Trail

It’s impossible to talk about this event without circling back to Rickie Fowler. His journey back to the top tier of the PGA Tour has been a narrative many have been following. Missing the Masters is a blow to any player, but Fowler has shown resilience. His recent top-10 finishes at the RBC Heritage and Cadillac Championship, both Signature Events, are not just statistical anomalies; they are signs of hard work paying off.Moving into the top 30 of the FedEx Cup standings is a massive achievement. It’s the benchmark for making it to the season-ending Tour Championship, where the real money and the ultimate glory are at stake. This week at the Truist Championship is another crucial step in that comeback. A win here would not only be a massive personal victory but would also cement his return to the elite.His pairing with Alex Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland is no accident. Tournaments are designed to put compelling storylines on display, and this is one of them. Fowler, the seasoned veteran looking to recapture past glory, against a rising star in Fitzpatrick and the consistently strong Hovland. It’s a test of nerve, skill, and endurance.

What to Expect from Quail Hollow

This course has a reputation. It’s known for its demanding layout, thick rough, and fast greens. It’s a ball-striker’s course, but it also requires a sharp short game and a strong mental fortitude. The par-5s can offer birdie opportunities, but you have to hit precise shots to take advantage. The par-4s are often long and challenging, requiring perfect drives and accurate approaches.The pressure cooker environment of a Signature Event amplifies everything. Every shot matters. Every putt counts. The crowds will be buzzing, especially around the featured groups. It’s a test of a player’s ability to perform under intense scrutiny.So, as you’re planning your Friday viewing, keep these tee times in mind. The Truist Championship is shaping up to be a fantastic event, and the second round is where the field will start to narrow and the true contenders will begin to emerge. Get ready for some high-quality golf.—

The 2026 Truist Championship is in full swing, and Friday, May 8th, marks the crucial second round at the formidable Quail Hollow in North Carolina. If you’re looking to track your favorite golfers or simply immerse yourself in top-tier competition, knowing the exact tee times and pairings is essential. This Signature Event is more than just another tournament; it’s a significant stepping stone for many players aiming for the FedEx Cup and ultimate tour glory.

For golfers like Rickie Fowler, this week represents a vital opportunity to solidify his impressive comeback. After a period away from the top ranks, Fowler has demonstrated renewed form with recent top-10 finishes in high-profile events. His current standing in the FedEx Cup points race is a testament to his hard work, placing him firmly in contention for the season-ending Tour Championship. A victory at the Truist Championship would undoubtedly be a career highlight and a powerful statement of his return to elite status.

Fowler’s Friday schedule sees a shift to the front nine for his second round, a strategic change from his opening nine. He’s slated to play alongside Alex Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland, a grouping that promises significant drama. Hovland is a consistent threat in any tournament he enters, Fitzpatrick is rapidly proving his mettle on tour, and Fowler is the resilient veteran seeking to prove he still has what it takes. This is precisely the kind of high-stakes matchup that draws golf fans in.

Can’t-Miss Friday Pairings

When focusing on the second round, certain tee times stand out as must-watch television. These aren’t arbitrary groupings; they are meticulously crafted to showcase players who possess the talent and the drive to win. If you’re trying to pinpoint where the most exciting golf will unfold, these are the groups to follow.

For those meticulously planning their viewing schedule, here’s the essential information. You can tune into the Golf Channel from 2-6 p.m. ET for comprehensive coverage. For those who prefer early streaming access, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ begins at 7:30 a.m. ET on Friday, offering featured group and hole coverage to ensure you don’t miss any pivotal moments.

Tee No. 1: Morning Showdown

The day’s play commences early on Tee No. 1, with these players setting the pace before many have even had their morning coffee.

11:00 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Patrick Rodgers, Sam Stevens. A solid opening group to kick off the day’s proceedings.
11:11 a.m. – Tony Finau, Daniel Berger, Austin Smotherman. Finau brings raw power, and Berger is known for his tenacious play. This group is one to watch.
11:22 a.m. – Gary Woodland, Akshay Bhatia, Ben Griffin. Woodland, a major championship winner, and the promising Bhatia make for an intriguing pairing.
11:33 a.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay. Burns is consistently a contender, and Cantlay, when in form, is an absolute force.
11:44 a.m. – J.J. Spaun, Robert MacIntyre, Sungjae Im. Im is a model of consistency, often found near the top of the leaderboard.
11:55 a.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Webb Simpson, Andrew Putnam. Simpson, a former U.S. Open champion, possesses the experience to navigate tough conditions.
12:06 p.m. – Lucas Glover, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Kristoffer Reitan. Glover’s veteran presence and knack for performing under pressure are always notable.
12:17 p.m. – Adam Scott, Ryo Hisatsune, Pierceson Coody. Scott, a former Masters champion, still possesses the artistry to contend.
12:28 p.m. – Tommy Fleetwood, Brian Harman, Ludvig Åberg. Fleetwood is a crowd favorite, Harman can be a formidable opponent, and Åberg represents the exciting new wave of talent.
12:39 p.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose. This is a marquee grouping featuring McIlroy, a perennial contender; Matt Fitzpatrick, a major winner; and Rose, a past U.S. Open champion. Expect fireworks.
12:50 p.m. – Alex Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler. The featured group, generating considerable buzz. Three distinct journeys converge with a singular objective: victory.
1:01 p.m. – Matt McCarty, Bud Cauley, Chandler Blanchet. A solid group to conclude the morning session on the first tee.

Tee No. 10: Afternoon Charge

Action on the 10th tee continues through the afternoon, with another compelling set of pairings. These tee times are critical for players aiming to make the weekend cut.

11:00 a.m. – Jason Day, Michael Kim, David Lipsky. Day, a former World No. 1, has the potential to rekindle his championship form.
11:11 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Ryan Gerard, Alex Noren. Kitayama is known for his powerful game.
11:22 a.m. – Sepp Straka, Hideki Matsuyama, Jordan Spieth. Spieth is always a compelling watch, Matsuyama is a Masters champion, and Straka is a capable competitor.
11:33 a.m. – Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas. All three are major championship threats. Schauffele is widely considered overdue for a major breakthrough, Thomas is a former PGA Champion, and Young possesses the game to compete with anyone. This is another elite-level confrontation.
11:44 a.m. – Chris Gotterup, Ryan Fox, Si Woo Kim. Kim has a history of winning and can get hot quickly.
11:55 a.m. – Aldrich Potgieter, Sahith Theegala, Max Homa. Theegala brings infectious energy to the course, and Homa is a proven winner.
12:06 p.m. – Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Alex Smalley. These players are all capable of climbing the leaderboard with strong performances.
12:17 p.m. – Min Woo Lee, Matt Wallace, Denny McCarthy. Lee commands a significant following and has the talent to back it up.
12:28 p.m. – Ricky Castillo, Andrew Novak, Corey Conners. Conners is recognized for his precise ball-striking.
12:39 p.m. – Nico Echavarria, Keegan Bradley, Harris English. Bradley, a PGA Champion, is a formidable competitor.
12:50 p.m. – Nick Taylor, Maverick McNealy, Harry Hall. Taylor has demonstrated his ability to win on the PGA Tour.
1:01 p.m. – Brian Campbell, J.T. Poston, Nicolai Højgaard. Poston can emerge as a serious contender when he finds his rhythm.

The Gauntlet of Quail Hollow

Quail Hollow is not a course that yields easily. It commands respect with its demanding layout, penal rough, and lightning-fast greens. It is a true test of a player’s ability to strike the ball accurately, but it also requires exceptional short game skills and unwavering mental strength. The par-5s offer scoring opportunities, but only for those who execute precise shots. The par-4s are often long and challenging, demanding perfect drives and accurate approaches.

The intense atmosphere of a Signature Event amplifies every aspect of the game. Each shot carries significant weight, and every putt is critical. The crowds will undoubtedly be electric, particularly around the featured groups. This tournament is a profound test of a player’s capacity to perform under immense pressure.

For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to their golf viewing, consider exploring betting options. For instance, signing up with Fanatics Sportsbook might present you with a special welcome offer. It’s a way to engage more deeply with the competition.

As you finalize your viewing plans for Friday, keep these tee times at the forefront. The 2026 Truist Championship is shaping up to be an extraordinary event, and the second round is precisely when the field will begin to solidify, revealing the true contenders poised to vie for the title. Prepare yourself for a compelling display of professional golf.