Shoafle Leads US PGA Championship with Course Record in First Round, McIlroy Ties for Fifth

In a highly anticipated event, the 106th edition of the prestigious US PGA Championship began on May 17th with Zander Shoafle making headlines. Posting nine birdies and no bogeys, he shot an impressive -9 to take the lead after the first round.

Tony Finau, Seif Thiel, and Mark Hubbard are tied for second place at -6, followed by Rory McIlroy and Matthew McInerney at -5, both sharing the fifth position.

Record-Breaking Performance Amidst Struggle

Shoafle made history with a remarkable 62-stroke performance, which is the lowest score ever recorded in the US PGA Championship, breaking José María Olazábal’s 2000 record of 63 and tying the men’s major 18-hole low. He said, “I think not winning makes you hungrier, it’s strange but true. For me, facing this, I crave victory more each day.”

Despite consecutive years without a title, Shoafle remains confident, reminding himself, “At the end of the day, when I go to bed, I remind myself that my level is high.” This strong start is hoped to signify a turning point for him.

Leaderboard Overview

• Rory McIlroy: 66 (-5) with 6 birdies and 1 bogey
• Robert McInerney: 66 (-5) with 5 birdies and 0 bogeys
• Thomas Didi (Belgium): 66 (-5) with 6 birdies and 1 bogey
• They all ended up tied for fifth place at -5.

Brooks Koepka, the defending champion, carded 3 birdies, 1 eagle, but dropped a stroke at the 17th hole, finishing at -4, in 12th place. Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his Masters win, started with an eagle and four birdies but bogeys on the 5th and 14th, ending up at -4 alongside Koepka.

Joaquin Rahm suffered five bogeys but managed six birdies, finishing at 70 (-1), placing him at 47th. Tiger Woods struggled with bogeys on the final two holes, ending with a 72 (+1), ranking him 85th.

(European Tour)