Journalist Dan Rapaport has shared Justin Thomas’ reaction after witnessing Xander Schauffele reach 8-under-par on day one of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Schauffele’s finishing 62 was the lowest round ever record at the PGA Championship and also broke the course record at Valhalla.
Furthermore, the American became the first person to shoot 62 twice in any of the major championships. Despite favourable conditions, the brilliance of the 30-year-old’s round cannot be understated.
Justin Thomas reacts to what Xander Schauffele did on the 4th at Valhalla
READ MORE: Here’s all you need to know about day two ahead of day two of the PGA Championship
Starting on the 10th, Schauffele recorded five birdies on his first nine holes to quickly race to five under.
He picked up further shots on the 2nd and 4th before also knocking in a birdie on the 5th [his 14th]. Watching on, Thomas cut a dejected figure as he seeks to land a major in his home town.
Rapaport wrote on X: “Little head shake from JT there after yet another Xander Schauffele birdie. Not the hardest conditions at all today but -8 thru 14 at a major is -8 thru 14 at a major.”
Justin Thomas’ hometown major hopes now hang by a thread
Thomas’ hopes of a hometown major appear to be hanging by a thread after his first-round 69 at Valhalla.
Had Schauffele not scored at such an incredible rate, the two-time champion’s round of two under wouldn’t have looked bad.
However, Thomas will now have to go low on Friday in order to position himself well for the weekend.
Organisers at Valhalla will have to make adjustments over the next three days. The rainfall hasn’t helped, but the course still played far too easy for the world’s best.
Letting the greens harden up is a must over the weekend. Longer shots into the course’s par-4s must be more challenging than they currently are.
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