Vegas Surprises, Star Trio Stumbles on Opening Day of PGA Championship

All eyes were on the marquee grouping of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, No. 2 Rory McIlroy, and No. 3 Xander Schauffele as the 2025 PGA Championship teed off at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. But the star trio struggled to find rhythm on Thursday, delivering a lackluster performance overshadowed by an unexpected leader: Jhonattan Vegas.

McIlroy, fresh off his Masters victory and a four-time winner at Quail Hollow, carded a disappointing 3-over-par round—his worst at the course since 2011. The 35-year-old declined to speak with the media afterward.

Schauffele, the defending PGA champion, also failed to hit his stride, finishing 1-over. Only Scheffler managed to salvage his round, grinding to a respectable 2-under-par finish despite battling challenging course conditions.

The group’s struggles were epitomized on the par-4 16th hole, where all three players made double bogeys. Scheffler and Schauffele both found the fairway with strong drives but saw their approach shots veer into the water—mud on the golf balls proving to be a frustrating factor.

“I understand it’s part of the game,” Scheffler said. “But there’s nothing more frustrating than hitting the fairway and having no control over the ball because of mud.”

Tournament organizers chose not to implement preferred lies, asserting that fairway conditions were “outstanding and drying by the hour.” Schauffele was among those expressing frustration, calling the conditions “50/50” even after solid drives.

Despite the rough day, Scheffler said he enjoyed being grouped with two of the world’s best. “It’s always fun to compete with those guys,” he said. “Hopefully tomorrow will be better.”

Vegas Makes History

While the big names faltered, Jhonattan Vegas delivered a career-defining round. The world No. 70 shot a sizzling 7-under 64, becoming the first Venezuelan golfer to lead or co-lead a round at a major championship.

“It’s what we dream of,” the 40-year-old told ESPN. “We train for this. It feels amazing.”

Vegas, a four-time PGA Tour winner, said he’s been focusing on performing well in majors. “Maybe I’m just getting older and wiser,” he said. “Not putting too much pressure on myself and letting the game happen.”

He holds a two-stroke lead over Ryan Gerard and Cam Davis heading into Friday’s second round. Vegas tees off at 9:06 a.m. ET.

Notables and Surprises

Among five players tied for fourth are European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and local alternate Alex Smalley. Smalley, who lives nearby in Greensboro, North Carolina, learned just 24 hours prior that he would be in the field after Sahith Theegala withdrew with a neck injury.

“I’ve only played a few rounds here,” Smalley said. “It was just great to get the opportunity.”

Elsewhere, betting favorite Bryson DeChambeau finished at even par, while Justin Thomas had an up-and-down round, ending at 2-over despite a thrilling barefoot escape shot from a rock near the water on the 18th hole.

As the championship continues, the star trio will look to rebound, while Jhonattan Vegas aims to hold onto his historic lead.