Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez tees off during the second round of the Trophy Hassan II 2025 at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco.
Rabat, Morocco: Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez showcased his trademark brilliance, firing a four-under-par 69 in the second round to join New Zealand’s Steven Alker at the top of the leaderboard at the $2.5 million Hassan II Golf Trophy on Friday.
Alker, who shared the first-round lead with England’s Simon Griffiths, followed up with an impressive three-under-par 70 for a total of seven-under 139 at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s Red Course. Griffiths slipped to a tie for 24th after a second-round 77 left him at one-over.
Jimenez delivered a commanding performance, carding six birdies against two bogeys as he pursues his 14th career Champions Tour title and first since the 2022 Boeing Classic.
Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez tees off during the second round of the Trophy Hassan II 2025 at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco.
“I would love to win,” the Spaniard said. “There’s one more round to go, and Steve’s playing very well. I played with him yesterday - he’s a very solid player.
My shots were solid today, and I’m happy with my performance. I hope to carry this momentum into tomorrow.”
Alker recovered from a shaky front nine, balancing three bogeys with three birdies before adding three more birdies on the back nine to complete his round.
“It was another slow start, but I managed a bunch of birdies through the middle and finished strong,” Alker said.
“I’m pleased with the results, especially after how I started. I’m having a blast this week and enjoying the challenge.”
The pair holds a two-stroke advantage over American Tim O’Neal, who carded a two-under-par 70 in the second round.
“I’m looking forward to having a good final round,” O’Neal said. “It’s always nice to be here in Rabat. This is my third time playing this tournament, and I’ve always enjoyed it.”
Defending champion Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina bounced back with a three-under-par 69 following a 72 in the opening round, securing fourth place.
Nine golfers, including Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie, Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, South Africa’s Ernie Els and Americans Justin Leonard are tied for fifth at three-under-par.
Singapore’s Tan soars to lead at Lalla Meryem Golf Cup
Singapore’s Shannon Tan soared to a one-shot lead at the Lalla Meryem Golf Cup.
Over on Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s Blue Course, Singapore’s Shannon Tan soared to a one-shot lead at the Lalla Meryem Golf Cup with a spectacular four-under-par 69 in the second round.
Tan fired seven birdies to claim the top spot aggregating seven-under 139.
Ireland’s Sara Byrne, Germany’s Helen Briem and Spain’s Nuria Iturrioz are tied second.
Germany’s Aline Krauter, Austria’s Emma Spitz, England’s Annabell Fuller, Gabriella Cowley and Cara Gainer, Spain’s Teresa Toscano and are tied for fifth with an aggregate of five-under 141.
