Xander Schauffele Makes History with Record 62 at PGA Championship Round 1
Xander Schauffele’s unprecedented 62 at the 106th PGA Championship leads the pack, setting the tone for an exciting competition. Explore standout performances by Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and others as the field gears up for a thrilling weekend at the Dell Technologies Match Play event.
Xander Schauffele Fires Historic 62, Leads PGA Championship After Round 1
The opening round of the 106th PGA Championship witnessed a flurry of record-breaking performances at the Valhalla Golf Club. Two-time major runner-up Xander Schauffele stole the spotlight with a scintillating first-round 62, the lowest score in the championship’s history.
Schauffele’s electrifying display saw him gain over five strokes from tee-to-green and four strokes on the greens, a feat achieved by only a few players in recent major championship history. His nine-stroke advantage over the field average was the fifth-highest in a single round at this event since 1980.
“The 62 gave Schauffele a three-shot lead, tying the largest 18-hole advantage in PGA Championship lore.”
With an Olympic gold medal, two Ryder Cup appearances, and seven PGA Tour victories to his name, the talented American is still seeking his elusive first major championship triumph.
Contenders in the Hunt
- Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Championship winner at Valhalla, carded a solid 66 despite struggling off the tee.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler soared to a 67, highlighted by an eagle on his first hole.
- Tony Finau and Sahith Theegala joined the group at 65.
In total, a remarkable 64 players broke par on the opening day, the most in a single round at the PGA Championship. The receptive greens and benign conditions allowed the field to attack, with the average proximity to the hole four inches closer than the PGA Tour season mean.
With the majority of the top contenders within striking distance, the stage is set for an enthralling weekend at the Dell Technologies Match Play event. Can Schauffele finally break through for his maiden major triumph, or will one of the other star-studded names emerge victorious? The golf world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama at the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
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