PGA Championship 2025: Round One Highlights and Updates

The first round of the PGA Championship 2025 is buzzing with excitement as players take on the challenging Quail Hollow course. Following the morning round, Ryan Gerard leads with an impressive score of 66, marking a strong start for the North Carolina native. His performance sets the stage for what could be a memorable tournament for the 25-year-old.

Players Struggling on Course

While Gerard shines, former champions like Rory McIlroy find themselves in rough waters. McIlroy, coming off a victory at the Masters, closed the round with a disappointing 74, sitting at 3-over par. Struggling with consistency, McIlroy even escaped a couple of close calls with the water—a testament to his luck and skill but not quite the start fans expected from their favorite.

Scottie Scheffler and Keegan Bradley Stand Out

In the midst of unpredictable rounds, Scottie Scheffler managed to secure a 2-under par score with birdies at crucial moments, including two in his final three holes. Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley, serving as U.S. Ryder Cup captain, showcased his golf prowess with a commendable 3-under 68, even if his last hole saw a bitter bogey that slightly dulled his otherwise stellar play.

Notable Performers

Several players have shown potential early in the tournament:

Ryan Gerard: Main leader with a 66 to start his championship journey.
Bradley: Consistent play highlighted by a 68 score while managing Ryder Cup duties.
Scheffler: Concluding birdies leave him in good standing as rounds progress.

Troubling Rounds for Stars

However, not all is well in the realm of golf. Phil Mickelson faced a dismal start, carding an 8-over 79 during the first round. Struggling with his driver and greenside putting, Mickelson’s performance falls flat compared to his illustrious career history. Justin Thomas, another fan favorite, also opened his round poorly, surrendering a double bogey that put pressure on his following holes.

A Unique Competitive Landscape

The PGA Championship’s rules compel players to play the ball as it lies, leading to mixed feelings among competitors. For example, Ryan Fox, currently tied for second with a score of 67, expressed his satisfaction with the course conditions post-rain despite concerns from other players.

Key Highlights from Round One

Jordan Spieth: Kicking off with a bogey but looking to rebound.
Bryson DeChambeau: Making his presence known with strong drives to start his round.
Luke Donald: Leading among the European contingent, showing strength early on.

As the day unfolds and the rounds progress, all eyes remain on Ryan Gerard, aiming to consolidate his lead amid a highly competitive field. With big names falling back and others stepping up, the PGA Championship 2025 promises to deliver drama worth tuning into over the weekend.

Tags:

Golf, PGA Championship, Ryan Gerard, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley, Quail Hollow, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas