Xander Schauffele Makes History at 106th US PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele made headlines at the 106th US PGA Championship by equaling the lowest score in men’s major championship history for the second time in less than a year. Schauffele’s remarkable performance took place in the first round of the championship held at Valhalla.
Record-Breaking Performance
Schauffele took full advantage of the ideal playing conditions for the early starters at Valhalla, showcasing his skill with nine birdies to achieve a stunning score of 62. This score matched the record set by Branden Grace in the 2017 Open and later equaled by Rickie Fowler and Schauffele himself in the opening round of last year’s US Open.
- Birdies at the 11th, 13th, 15th, 16th, and 18th holes helped Schauffele reach the turn in 31.
- He continued his impressive performance by picking up further shots on the second, fourth, and fifth holes.
- A two-putt birdie on the par-five seventh took Schauffele to nine under par, breaking the course record of 63 set by Jose Maria Olazabal in 2000.
“It feels great,” Schauffele expressed. “It’s just day one, but shooting nine under is a fantastic start. I’ve been playing some really good golf, having a lot of close calls, so me and my team say why not keep chugging along?”
Strong Competition
Despite his outstanding performance, Schauffele was only three shots ahead of his compatriots Tony Finau and Sahith Theegala. Rory McIlroy and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre were also in close pursuit, just one stroke behind.
McIlroy’s Resilient Performance
Rory McIlroy also delivered an impressive performance with a score of 66, matching his opening round score from his victorious campaign at Valhalla in 2014. This round was particularly commendable as it came amidst personal challenges, including his recent divorce filing.
- McIlroy showcased resilience by recovering from a potential setback on the 18th hole and went on to secure a series of birdies from the fifth hole onwards.
- Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy stated, “I thought I got a lot out of my game today. Some good up-and-downs, the chip-in on six.”
MacIntyre’s Improved Form
Robert MacIntyre, who recently finished 13th in the Myrtle Beach Classic, attributed his improved form to a trip back to Scotland. The left-hander emphasized the importance of reconnecting with family and friends in his homeland for rejuvenation and improved performance on the course.
“It’s no secret I’ve been living in America, and it’s been tough. It’s not like Oban,” MacIntyre shared. “When I go back home, it’s a lot of friends and family you get to spend time with, my nieces, everyone that’s close to me and really cares for me.”
