Scottie Scheffler launches his PGA Championship defense with a commanding first-round 67, securing a seven-way tie for the lead at 3-under par at Aronimink Golf Club. The world No. 1 outperforms recent slow starts, positioning himself among leaders Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger, Min Woo Lee, Ryo Hisatsune, Alex Smalley, and Martin Kaymer.
Scheffler’s Dominant Display
Scheffler misses only one fairway off the tee and excels on the greens, showcasing comfort that hints at peaking form after three straight runner-up finishes. Luck aids him on the par-3 17th, where a free drop near a sprinkler head preserves par after overshooting the green. His sole frustration—a missed 3-footer for bogey on the 14th—draws a laugh, underscoring his composure on a challenging day.
This marks the first time Scheffler leads a major after 18 holes, erasing deficits from prior weekends and signaling momentum.
Martin Kaymer’s Surprise Contention
At 41, after 12 years battling injuries and swing overhauls, Kaymer posts a 67 with four birdies and one bogey amid stiff afternoon winds. He shares a light anecdote from the champions’ dinner: “On Tuesday evening… a gentleman from the PGA of America asked if I still play. I said, ‘Yeah, that’s why I’m here. I’m not flying from Europe just for a New York strip!’ That really motivated me.”
McIlroy’s Late Collapse
Rory McIlroy labels his 74 “s***” after bogeying his final four holes, three from missed par putts inside eight feet. Driver woes plague him—hitting just four fairways—with a persistent right-to-left miss. “I’m just not driving the ball well enough,” McIlroy states. “It’s been a problem all year… Once I get under the gun, it starts to go wayward.” Extended range work follows, but Aronimink’s thick rough offers less forgiveness than Augusta.
DeChambeau’s Struggles
Bryson DeChambeau cards a 76, shouting “fore right” repeatedly as errant drives threaten spectators. No major damage occurs, but his form raises questions for LIV Golf’s prospects.
Tough Course Tests Field
Aronimink’s 174 bunkers, turtleback greens, and sloping fairways challenge players amid breeze. Firmer conditions loom, potentially making the 11th unplayable. Ten major winners lurk within two shots, including Xander Schauffele, Patrick Reed, and Shane Lowry at 2-under; Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, and Brooks Koepka at 1-under.
Standout Scores
Dan Brown sits at 2-under, while Schauffele matches the leaders’ 68. England’s Justin Rose, Aaron Rai, and Matt Fitzpatrick hold even par. Spieth reaches 3-under before late bogeys, and Koepka battles putting after strong ball-striking.
