Scottie Scheffler surges into a seven-way tie for the first-round lead at the PGA Championship, carding a flawless 67 at Aronimink Golf Club. The world No. 1 matches scores from Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger, Min Woo Lee, Ryo Hisatsune, Alex Smalley, and Martin Kaymer, all at 3 under par.
Scheffler’s Dominant Display
Scheffler misses just one fairway off the tee and excels on the greens, positioning himself as a formidable contender. A favorable ruling aids his par save on the par-3 17th, where his ball lands near a sprinkler head in the rough, granting a free drop. This strong opening contrasts his recent pattern of slow starts in tournaments, following three consecutive runner-up finishes since the Masters.
His only blemish, a missed three-footer for bogey on the 14th, draws a lighthearted laugh from the defending champion. Scheffler leads a major after 18 holes for the first time in his career.
Crowded Leaderboard Packed with Major Winners
Ten major champions lurk within two shots, including Xander Schauffele, Patrick Reed, and Shane Lowry at 2 under. Jordan Spieth sits at 1 under alongside Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, and Brooks Koepka. England’s Dan Brown also reaches 2 under, drawing attention early.
Justin Rose, Aaron Rai, and Matt Fitzpatrick post even par, staying in contention on a demanding layout featuring 174 bunkers, turtleback greens, and sloping fairways.
Martin Kaymer’s Inspiring Return
At 41, Martin Kaymer defies a 12-year injury-plagued stretch to join the lead with four birdies and one bogey amid afternoon winds. He shares a humorous anecdote from the champions’ dinner: “On Tuesday evening… a gentleman sitting next to me from the PGA of America… asked me if I still play. … ‘Yeah, that’s why I’m here. I’m not flying from Europe to here to have a New York strip with you guys, of course I’m playing!’ That really motivated me.”
Rory McIlroy’s Frustrating Finish
Rory McIlroy stumbles to a 74, bogeying his final four holes—three from missed par putts inside eight feet. Driver woes plague him, hitting only four fairways with a persistent two-way miss.
“I’m just not driving the ball well enough,” McIlroy states. “It’s been a problem all year… I miss it right and then… miss it left. That’s pretty frustrating… Once I get under the gun, it just seems like it starts to go a little bit wayward on me.”
Bryson DeChambeau struggles to a 76, with errant drives threatening spectators. Rahm and Smith position well at 1 under, while Spieth’s late bogeys temper his hot start.
Course Conditions Challenge the Field
Aronimink tests players with breezy conditions and tricky greens, expected to firm up further. Firmer turf forecast could intensify difficulties, particularly on the 11th hole.
