The US PGA Championship kicked off with a chaotic and unpredictable atmosphere, leaving spectators and analysts alike in awe. The leaderboard was a sight to behold, with seven players tied for the lead at three-under par, and an astonishing 42 others within three shots of the top. This gridlock on the course was a record for a major championship, dating back to 1860. Among the leading pack was the formidable Scottie Scheffler, a major winner himself, adding to the intrigue. The tournament's opening day was far from a straightforward affair, with a rules official's penalty adding an unexpected twist to Garrick Higgo's performance.
The day's drama unfolded as Rory McIlroy, a seasoned major player, stumbled with a four-over score, attributed to a series of bogeys on his final holes. His frustration was palpable, as he exclaimed, 'Shit' in the post-round interview. McIlroy's struggle was in stark contrast to his earlier confidence in the course's strategy. The Aronimink course, with its challenging layout around a natural basin, seemed to favor the players who embraced its unique demands. McIlroy's opening drive in deep rough set the tone for his day, highlighting the course's unforgiving nature.
Adding to the chaos, Bryson DeChambeau's performance was equally disappointing, finishing six-over with a series of wayward shots, including one that narrowly missed spectators. DeChambeau's focus on growing his YouTube following seemed to overshadow his golf, as he struggled to maintain a competitive position. The day's events also took a toll on the medical tent, with multiple players seeking treatment for various injuries, and a volunteer marshal catching a divot in the shoulder.
Despite the challenges, some players managed to grind their way through. Nicolai Høgaard, Brooks Koepka, Jason Day, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and Cam Smith all finished on one-under, showcasing their resilience. Xander Schauffele and Patrick Reed were among those just one shot behind, while the tournament's surprise package, Scottie Scheffler, joined a group of seven players tied for the lead, including Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger, Min Woo Lee, Ryo Hisatsune, Martin Kaymer, and Alex Smalley. The US PGA Championship's opening day will go down in history as one of the most unpredictable and thrilling days in major championship history.
