PGA Championship Opening Round: Struggles For Top Golfers, Unlikely Contender Takes The Lead

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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Top Contenders' Disappointing Start

The opening round of the PGA Championship saw several top contenders stumble, setting the stage for an unpredictable tournament.

Rory McIlroy's Struggles

Rory McIlroy, a pre-tournament favorite, experienced a frustrating start to his PGA Championship campaign. His opening round score of 73 (+2) left him significantly behind the early pace-setters. McIlroy's putting woes were particularly evident; his usually reliable short game let him down on several crucial putts.

• Missed a crucial four-foot par putt on the 7th hole.
• Struggled with distance control on several approach shots, leading to missed birdie opportunities.
• Showed visible frustration on the course, evident in his body language and occasional outbursts.

Post-round interviews revealed McIlroy's disappointment, but he remained optimistic about his chances of recovering over the next few rounds. He emphasized the need to improve his putting and find more consistency on his approach shots.

Scottie Scheffler's Inconsistency

World number one, Scottie Scheffler, also had a less-than-stellar opening round, carding a 74 (+3). Scheffler's usually rock-solid game appeared inconsistent throughout the day. While his long game showed flashes of brilliance, his short game faltered, costing him several shots.

• Inconsistent iron play leading to missed greens in regulation.
• Several three-putts significantly impacted his overall score.
• Failed to capitalize on several birdie opportunities due to poor approach shots.

Experts commented on Scheffler’s lack of precision on the greens, suggesting it as the primary reason for his disappointing performance.

Jon Rahm's Subpar Performance

Jon Rahm, another strong contender, also underperformed in the opening round, shooting a 75 (+4). Rahm, known for his power and accuracy, seemed to struggle with course management throughout the day.

• Several errant drives led to difficult recovery shots.
• Missed several short putts that compounded his issues.
• His usually impeccable approach shots were not as sharp as usual, resulting in more bogeys than expected.

Golf analysts pointed to Rahm’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities as a key factor in his relatively poor performance compared to his usual high standards.

The Unexpected Leader Emerges

While the top contenders faltered, a surprising player emerged as the early leader: Rickie Fowler. Fowler’s stellar performance set the tone for a dramatic PGA Championship.

Rickie Fowler's Stellar Performance

Rickie Fowler's opening round of 65 (-5) shocked the golf world. His exceptional play across all facets of his game earned him a commanding lead. He displayed a remarkable combination of precision and power throughout the round.

• Exceptional putting, sinking several crucial long putts.
• Controlled approach shots, hitting a high percentage of greens in regulation.
• Consistent driving accuracy helped him set up numerous birdie opportunities.

In post-round interviews, Fowler credited his improved putting and a solid short game for his strong performance. His calm demeanor and confident approach throughout the round were equally striking.

Analyzing the Upset

Fowler's surprising lead can be attributed to several key factors:

• Superior course management: He strategically played to his strengths, avoiding unnecessary risks.
• Excellent putting: His ability to sink crucial putts on several occasions.
• Consistent game: Fowler displayed a balance across his long game and short game, providing a solid foundation for his great score.

His performance stood in sharp contrast to the top contenders’ struggles, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the PGA Championship.

Key Takeaways from the Opening Round

The PGA Championship Opening Round delivered several key takeaways:

• The unexpected lead of Rickie Fowler proves that even the best-laid plans can be upset on any given day.
• Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jon Rahm all experienced difficulty, signifying the challenging nature of the course and the difficulty of maintaining consistency at the highest level.
• Favorable weather conditions contributed to lower scores and provided an advantage to some players over others.

The opening round underscores the unpredictable nature of golf and the high level of competition in the PGA Championship.

Conclusion

The PGA Championship Opening Round served up a huge surprise, with the unexpected rise of Rickie Fowler and the struggles of the top-ranked players highlighting the unpredictable nature of major championship golf. This opening round demonstrated that even the most consistent players can experience setbacks, while players not necessarily predicted to challenge for the win can surprise with remarkable scores. Stay tuned for the next round of the PGA Championship and witness the unfolding drama! Will the underdog hold the lead? Don't miss the next exciting round of this major championship!