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.

His 61 is a career low and it's a tournament record.

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.

As for Fichardt, he's vaulted to 13th in the projected standings, safely inside the top 36 for the Charles Schwab Cup Championships in two weeks at Phoenix Country Club.

Only the top 36 make the season finale. Another bonus of making it to Phoenix is that the top 36 secure 2027 PGA Tour Champions tour cards.