The 2026 PGA Championship kicked off at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, revealing unexpected challenges for the players. Amidst high hopes for low scores, the course proved to be a formidable opponent on the first day.
Day One Highlights of the 2026 PGA Championship
Only 32 out of 156 competitors finished with scores under par, highlighting the difficulty of the layout. Thick rough and firm greens made scoring challenging, even for the world’s elite players. Among those struggling was Rory McIlroy, who ended the day at four over par.
Scottie Scheffler Takes the Lead
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler emerged as the day’s leading player. He finished with a remarkable three-under round of 67. This performance placed him in a seven-way tie for the first-round lead. Scheffler’s strategic approach demonstrated his ability to remain composed under pressure.
Notable Contenders
- Martin Kaymer (Germany)
- Stephan Jaeger (Germany)
- Aldrich Potgieter (South Africa)
- Min-Woo Lee (Australia)
- Ryo Hisatsune (Japan)
- Alex Smalley (USA)
This leaderboard featured a mix of well-known names and under-the-radar players, making for an intriguing competition. Dan Brown from England, on his major debut, is just one shot behind the leaders.
Player Reactions
Jon Rahm of Spain, who finished the round at one under par, reflected on the expectations set before the tournament. He noted that there was initial speculation about winning scores potentially reaching 15 to 20 under par. However, the actual course conditions seemed to shift those expectations significantly.
As the championship unfolds, the players will have to navigate the complexities of Aronimink to achieve their desired scores. The stage is set for an exciting continuation of the 2026 PGA Championship.
