Golf fans around the world tuned in on May 15, 2025, as the PGA Championship teed off at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the second major of the season, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and Day 1 did not disappoint.
Let’s dive into the Round 1 leaderboard, key highlights, and what to expect going forward.
📍 Quick Tournament Info
- Event: PGA Championship 2025
- Dates: May 15–18, 2025
- Venue: Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NC
- Course Par: 71
- Purse: $20 million
- Defending Champion: Xander Schauffele
🏆 PGA Championship 2025 – Round 1 Leaderboard
| Rank | Player | Score | Notes |
| T1 | Ryan Fox | -5 | Steady round with solid iron play |
| T1 | Stephan Jaeger | -5 | Clean front nine, aggressive putting |
| T3 | Ryo Hisatsune | -4 | Strong debut, gaining attention |
| T3 | Luke Donald | -4 | 47-year-old vet, bogey-free round |
| 5 | Alex Smalley | -3 | Late entry, early impact |
📌 Highlights of the Day
🟢 Luke Donald Turns Back the Clock
The former world number one delivered a bogey-free 67, proving experience still matters. Donald’s accuracy off the tee and calm on the greens earned him a spot in the top 5.
🔥 Ryan Fox & Stephan Jaeger Share the Lead
Fox and Jaeger each finished at 5-under, showcasing different strengths—Fox with solid fairway accuracy, Jaeger with hot putting. Both players are chasing their first major titles.
🌟 Rising Star Alert: Ryo Hisatsune
Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune impressed in his PGA Championship debut, carding a 67 and showing nerves of steel throughout the round.
🌦️ Course & Weather Conditions
Quail Hollow played firm despite recent rain, making for tough approach shots but receptive greens. Wind remained mild throughout the round, helping players go low on the front nine.
🎯 Notable Scores & Surprises
- Scottie Scheffler – E (Even): Solid start but couldn’t convert key birdie chances.
- Rory McIlroy – +1: A shaky finish after a promising front nine.
- Xander Schauffele – +2: The defending champ struggled with his short game.
🔢 FedExCup Standings Snapshot
| Rank | Player | Points |
| 1 | Rory McIlroy | 2,650 |
| 2 | Sepp Straka | 2,129 |
| 3 | Justin Thomas | 2,044 |
| 4 | Scottie Scheffler | 1,928 |
| 5 | Andrew Novak | 1,438 |
🔮 What to Watch in Round 2
As we head into Friday’s second round, all eyes will be on whether the co-leaders can maintain momentum. Expect players like McIlroy and Schauffele to bounce back aggressively.
With tight scoring and ideal conditions, the cut line could be low, and surprise names may emerge at the top.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Day 1 of the 2025 PGA Championship has already lived up to the hype. With underdogs leading and big names chasing, this weekend promises world-class golf drama. Stay tuned as legends rise, careers change, and the coveted Wanamaker Trophy gets closer to its next champion.
