Scheffler holds early lead at PGA Championship as McIlroy struggles

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler sits atop the leaderboard at the 108th PGA Championship following the first round at Aronimink Golf Club. The result marks the first time in his career that he has led a major championship after opening play. Scheffler’s position follows a resilient performance at the Masters a month prior, where he mounted a comeback from double-digit deficits to nearly force a playoff.

Defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy opened with a four-over 74, a round he described as “S—t.” McIlroy now faces the immediate challenge of making the cut, which is typically set after the completion of the second round. His performance places him in a difficult position as the field looks to capitalise on Scheffler’s early advantage.

Bryson DeChambeau trails McIlroy by two shots, sitting four strokes behind the leader. Like McIlroy, DeChambeau must navigate the remainder of the tournament to ensure he remains in contention for the weekend. The dynamic at the top of the leaderboard suggests a shift in momentum, with Scheffler able to play from the front while his primary rivals chase.

Round 2 is currently underway at Aronimink. While Saturday’s third round is often characterised as the “moving day” of the tournament, the current round presents an opportunity for Scheffler to extend his lead significantly. The field is aware that any lapse in concentration could allow the world No. 1 to pull away from the pack.

The PGA Championship is being broadcast on ESPN and CBS. Round 3 is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, with coverage from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on ESPN and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET on CBS. Round 4 will follow on Sunday, May 17, with the same broadcast windows on both networks.