The first round of the PGA Championship didn’t disappoint on what was a record-breaking day at Valhalla.
Xander Schauffele leads the way after shooting a remarkable 62 on Thursday. The American’s round was the lowest ever recorded in a PGA Championship and also the course record at Valhalla.
Furthermore, he became the first person to shoot 62 twice in major championships after his first round in the 2023 U.S. Open at LACC.
Another dynamic this week involves the LIV Golf contingent, and here, The Golfing Gazette has taken a look at how the 16 LIV players faired on day one in Louisville.
LIV Golf day one PGA Championship scores at Valhalla
Brooks Koepka leads the LIV Golf charge after day one at Valhalla, shooting a four-under-par 67 to place himself firmly in contention.
Martin Kaymer sits one shot back on three under alongside Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau.
Aussie Lucas Herbert is two under after carding a 69 and is joined by Dean Burmester and Patrick Reed on the same number.
Jon Rahm endured an up-and-down round at Valhalla, picking up shots on four of his last six holes to sit one under.
Tyrrell Hatton is level par along with fellow LIV Golf star Talor Gooch. David Puig, who received a late invite to this year’s event, is one over after shooting 72.
Dustin Johnson endured a tough first round in Louisville and sits on shot further back on two over alongside Andy Ogletree and in-form Chilean Joaquin Niemann.
Adrian Meronk and Phil Mickelson are propping up LIV’s tilt for the Wanamaker Trophy this week and sit on three over par.
Three LIV Golf names to watch on Friday
Koepka, Smith and DeChambeau are LIV’s best chances over the weekend.
The trio are playing well on the breakaway tour and are firmly in contention heading into the second round.
Koepka, in particular, knows what’s required to get the job done at the PGA Championship and has positioned himself well.
The 34-year-old will ensure he’s well-placed ahead of Saturday’s round before looking to attack Valhalla’s favourable conditions.
As for Smith and DeChambeau, the duo looked comfortable in their opening 18 holes and are more than capable of staking a claim.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
