Scottie Scheffler Shares PGA Championship Lead as Early Contenders Shine at Aronimink

Posted : 15 May 2026

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler made a strong start to his PGA Championship title defence by carding a three-under-par 67 in the opening round at Aronimink. His performance earned him a share of the lead in a tightly packed leaderboard featuring several international players.

Scheffler, a four-time major winner, mixed five birdies with two bogeys in a composed display that left him at the top after 18 holes in a major for the first time in his career. However, he downplayed his position, noting the crowded leaderboard made the “lead” less significant. He credited his mental focus for navigating a challenging course that tested all players throughout the day.

Joining Scheffler on 67 were South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter, Australia’s Min Woo Lee, American Alex Smalley, Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, and Germany’s Martin Kaymer and Stephan Jaeger, highlighting the international depth at the top of the field.

Kaymer, a former PGA Championship winner, praised his steady round, while Jaeger impressed with a fast start before struggling on the back nine. Potgieter also stood out in his PGA Championship debut, producing six birdies including a long-range putt as he made the most of his strong putting performance.

Hisatsune delivered one of the most impressive rounds of the day, registering seven birdies in just his fifth major appearance. He repeatedly responded to bogeys with immediate bounce-back birdies, expressing delight at his consistency and composure under pressure.

Lee briefly held the solo lead during his round before a late bogey halted his momentum, though he remained satisfied with his overall ball striking and control off the tee.

Elsewhere, England’s Daniel Brown produced a highlight moment by holing out for eagle from over 100 yards, while a group including Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Canada’s Corey Conners, and Americans such as Patrick Reed and Xander Schauffele finished just one shot back on 68.

Jordan Spieth opened with a 69, expressing frustration that his score did not reflect the quality of his play, while Spain’s Jon Rahm produced one of the shots of the day by holing out from the fairway for an eagle.

However, it was a difficult round for Bryson DeChambeau, who struggled to a 76 after multiple bogeys and a double bogey, leaving him well off the pace after the opening round.

Scottie Scheffler Shares PGA Championship Lead as Early Contenders Shine at Aronimink

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics