Scottie Scheffler shares seven-way PGA Championship lead after first round
World number one Scottie Scheffler is among seven players sharing the lead after Thursday’s opening round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club.
The pre-tournament favourite carded a three-under-par 67 to sit atop a crowded leaderboard alongside Martin Kaymer, Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger, Min Woo Lee, Ryo Hisatsune and Alex Smalley.
This remarkable logjam represents the largest shared lead following the first 18 holes of the prestigious tournament since nine players were tied in 1969.
It also marks the very first time the American star has held a lead or co-lead after the opening day of a major championship.
McIlroy struggles as chasing pack looms
While the leaders enjoyed fruitful rounds at a venue hosting the event for the first time since 1962, Rory McIlroy endured a disastrous start to his campaign.
The Northern Irishman slumped to a four-over-par 74, leaving him with a significant mountain to climb to make the weekend cut.
Just one stroke behind the leading septet is a dangerous trio tied for second place at two under par, featuring Xander Schauffele, Shane Lowry and Sahith Theegala.
Heavyweights lurking one shot further back
A massive group of 18 competitors are closely tracking the frontrunners at one under par, setting up a fiercely competitive Friday.
Among that contingent are established superstars Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka.
With 28 players separated by just two strokes, the battle for the historic Wanamaker Trophy remains remarkably open heading into the second round.