Ryan Gerard hits from the 12th tee during the final round of the PGA Tour Championship golf tournament Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Ryan Gerard, of United States, watches his shot during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament in Virginia Water, England, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

PARIS (AP) — Ryan Gerard might have been representing the United States in the Presidents Cup this week.

Instead, he’s in contention at a big European tour event for the second week running after shooting a 6-under 65 on Friday to be three shots off the lead at the halfway point of the French Open.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Sign in to hide this notification.

Matt Fitzpatrick, the world No. 4, shot 64 and held the second-round lead on 13-under 129 at Le Golf National outside Paris, where the Ryder Cup was staged in 2019.

Jeff Winther was a shot back after also shooting 64, while defending champion Michael Kim of the United States — the first-round leader — bogeyed the last hole for a 68 that dropped him into third place.

Article continues after sponsor message

Then, in a share of fourth place, was the No. 23-ranked Gerard, who wasn’t picked by U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker in his 12-man roster for the Presidents Cup taking place at Medinah despite a third-place finish at the Tour Championship last month. That came after he contended briefly at the British Open.

Even last week, Gerard led by two shots after 36 holes at the BMW PGA Championship — the European tour's flagship event — before finishing tied for 27th.

___

See AP’s full golf coverage here

 

More like this:

Lionel Messi added to Argentina's roster for Oct. 6 friendly that team says will be farewell match
Sep 15, 2026
Adam Scott is playing in his 12th straight Presidents Cup and desperate to be on a winning team
4 days ago
Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova seals Czechia's place in last 4 at Billie Jean King Cup Finals
5 days ago
Horse racing returns to rebuilt Belmont Park after a $550 million overhaul
Sep 18, 2026
Kyle Larson, Joey Logano climbing in NASCAR Chase with pressure mounting on Ryan Blaney
6 days ago