Scottie Scheffler, the world number one and defending champion, navigated a surprisingly challenging Aronimink course to claim a share of the lead after day one of the US PGA Championship 2026. Scheffler’s three-under round of 67 puts him in a seven-way tie atop the leaderboard, marking the first time in his career he has led a major after 18 holes.
The Pennsylvania course, with its undulating layout, thick rough, and firm, sloping greens, coupled with devilish pin positions, proved a formidable test for the 156-man field. Only 32 players, barely a fifth of the competitors, managed to finish under par, starkly contrasting initial expectations that predicted winning scores of 15 to 20 under par.
“Earlier in the week there was some chatter where people thought 15 to 20 under par was going to win,” commented Jon Rahm. “And I think that got to somebody in the PGA [of America], and they did something about it,” according to BBC Sport.
Joining Scheffler at three-under par are a diverse group of co-leaders:
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- Martin Kaymer (Germany)
- Stephan Jaeger (Germany)
- Aldrich Potgieter (South Africa)
- Min-Woo Lee (Australia)
- Ryo Hisatsune (Japan)
- Alex Smalley (United States)
Kaymer’s unexpected resurgence
Perhaps the most surprising name among the leaders is 41-year-old Martin Kaymer. The German, a two-time major winner (2010 US PGA, 2014 US Open) and the man who holed the winning putt at the “Miracle of Medinah” Ryder Cup in 2012, has endured a difficult period since joining LIV Golf in 2022. Plagued by injuries and a lack of practice, Kaymer had not finished higher than joint 25th in six LIV events this season.
“I got asked by a guy if I’m playing this week or if I’m done with golf. That really motivated me,” Kaymer revealed to BBC Sport, shedding light on his renewed drive.
Big names struggle as conduct remains in focus
While Scheffler thrived, other prominent players found the going tough. Rory McIlroy, despite his recent back-to-back Masters titles, struggled with the “rogue driving” that has affected him for much of the current season. He hit only five fairways and finished with four successive bogeys to post a four-over 74, seven shots behind the leaders. Bryson DeChambeau fared even worse, carding a six-over 76, while Jon Rahm managed a one-under par round.
Player conduct also remained under scrutiny, with the PGA of America reportedly pinning a new code of conduct in the Aronimink locker room. This follows reprimands for Sergio Garcia and Robert MacIntyre at the previous month’s Masters. On the course, Jon Rahm inadvertently hit a course volunteer in the face with a piece of turf on the seventh hole. “I need to somehow track him down to give him a present because that’s inexcusable and for something that could be completely avoidable,” Rahm stated. Justin Thomas also drew attention for angrily throwing an iron from the 14th tee without seemingly shouting “fore.”
Sources: www.bbc.com, www.bbc.co.uk
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