The 2025 PGA Championship kicked off with unexpected twists and turns at Quail Hollow Club, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament. Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, showcased his resilience despite challenging conditions, positioning himself as the favorite to clinch the Wanamaker Trophy.

Round 1 Highlights

• Jhonattan Vegas stunned the field with a remarkable 7-under 64, securing a two-stroke lead. Vegas, who last made a major cut in 2021, birdied five of his last six holes, marking a historic moment as the first Venezuelan to lead after the first round of a major.
• Ryan Gerard and Cam Davis tied for second at 5 under, while European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald impressed with a bogey-free 4-under 67.
• Scottie Scheffler carded a solid 2-under 69 despite a double bogey on the 16th hole caused by a mud ball. His composure and world-class chipping kept him in contention.

Key Players to Watch

• Scheffler: The reigning Masters champion remains the frontrunner, with his iron play and putting poised to dominate the weekend.
• Bryson DeChambeau: Despite inconsistent approach play, his driving distance keeps him in the mix.
• Jon Rahm: The Spaniard’s steady 1-under 70 signals a potential resurgence in major contention.

Course Conditions

Quail Hollow’s soggy fairways and unpredictable mud balls added a layer of complexity to the first round. Players expressed frustration with the lack of preferred lies, as mud affected ball flight unpredictably. However, the SubAir system promises firmer and faster greens as the tournament progresses.

What’s Next?

As the competition heats up, Scheffler’s consistency and Vegas’ momentum will be key storylines. With the cut looming, big names like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Brooks Koepka must rally to stay in contention. The 2025 PGA Championship promises thrilling golf and unexpected twists as the world’s best battle for glory at Quail Hollow.