PGA Championship Round 1 scores, higlights: Scottie Scheffler tied for lead

Alex Smalley secures share of lead

James H. Williams

Alex Smalley finished the first round at 3-under and secured a share of the lead on Thursday night. He is one of seven who are tied for the top spot on the leaderboard, along with Scottie Scheffler, Aldrich Potgieter and Stephan Jaeger.

The leaderboard itself features various clusters, including one with the next seven players tied for eighth place. That group includes Shane Lowry and Xander Schauffele at 2-under par.

Scottie Scheffler does the impossible

Jon Hoefling

Scheffler, despite his career success had never led or even been a co-leader after the first round of a major tournament. While there is still time for Alex Smalley to pull ahead on 18, Scheffler is currently in a tie for first place at the 2026 PGA Championship.

His round was highlighted by his four birdies between holes 6 and 11. In that span, Scheffler never had the lead outright but was a constant threat to emerge from the pack. Alas, at best, he'll head into Friday's round with a share of the lead.

Martin Kaymer turns heads with post-round quote

Jon Hoefling

One of the biggest surprises of Thursday's Round 1 was Martin Kaymer, who emerged from his round in a tie for the lead at 3-under.

Following his round, Kaymer had this to say about a passenger on his flight to Aronimink.

Michael Block gives a great quote on confidene

Jon Hoefling

Michael Block is someone golfers know primarily for one great, unexpected moment. However, that might be two great unexpected moments after this weekend. Block finished the first round at even par, a solid outing for someone not expected to do much.

That said, it was his quote after his round that caught eyes and ears as Block told reporters that he had to give himself a prep talk in the middle of the round.

Scheffler misses putt, drops to -2

Jon Hoefling

Scheffler has never led after the opening round of a major. It's crazy to think considering how great his career has been. However, after seeing his missed putt on 14, it might start to make sense. Clearly he's cursed.

Obviously, any curse that means you can't lead after Thursday, but you always lead after Sunday is worth it. However, any time you see the best golfer in the world come OH SO CLOSE to seeing their par putt drop and then just sit there smiling, wondering how it could have happened, you have to know something is up.

Justin Thomas saves bogey

Jon Hoefling

After 13 holes without a bogey, Justin Thomas just recorded his first of the tournament, dropping him out of the tie for first place.

However, it could have been worse. In order to get that bogey, Thomas needed to drop a very, VERY long putt. Even with the bogey on the card, Thomas couldn't help but pump his fist, knowing he was still close to the top.

With Thomas falling to -2, Scottie Scheffler is now the only golfer still playing in the mix at the top of the leaderboard.

Scottie Scheffler joins leaders (SHOCKER)

Jon Hoefling

Run from it. Hide from it. He emerges all the same.

With a birdie on 11, Scottie Scheffler has found his way atop the leaderboard at Aronimink. The 2025 PGA Championship winner does not have the lead outright but is hot, having sunk two birdies in a row. At this pace, he could certainly end up with a multi-stroke lead heading into Round 2.

Corey Conners joins leaders at -3

Jon Hoefling

It's becoming crowded at the top. Corey Conners is now one of seven golfers (three still playing) tied at the top of the leaderboard at three-under. Conners' latest birdie came on the 13th hole with a medium length putt.

At the same time, Justin Thomas had an opportunity to get out in front by himself on 11 with a nine-fot putt, but wound up just short of the hole, keeping him in a tie.

McIlroy does not mince words post-round

Jon Hoefling

Rory McIlroy did not have the best first round at the 2026 PGA Championship, finishing in a tie for 121st at 4-over, including four consecutive bogeys to end his round.

The reigning Masters champion has higher expectations for himself and when asked what he thought of his Thursday at Aronimink, he had just one word.

Shane Lowry eagle chip on 9

Jon Hoefling

A slow start on the day had Shane Lowry looking at a front nine over par to begin the PGA Championship. However, Lowry was able to turn that around in the blink of an eye. The Irishman knocked in a chip for eagle on 9 to put him at 1-under on the tournament.

Scottie Scheffler's bogey-less streak is over

Mark Giannotto

Scottie Scheffler had gone a career-best 42-consecutive holes at major tournaments without recording a bogey. He could have become just the fifth golfer since 2000 to go 50 or more holes in a row without a bogey at majors during Thursday's first round, according to ESPN. Aronimink's par 4 fourth hole had other ideas.

After a drive down the left side of the fairway, Scheffler's approach shot landed behind the green and bounced into the gallery. It left Scheffler with a difficult pitch shot that rolled past the hole and he couldn't quite connect on a 30-foot par putt.

Michael Block back in PGA Championship mix

Mark Giannotto

Michael Block, the PGA of America club professional who made waves three years ago when he finished inside the top 15 at the PGA Championship, is making noise again during the first round of the 2026 PGA Championship.

Block hit his opening tee shot of the day on No. 10 to within inches of the hole for a birdie, a reminder of the hole-in-one he got in the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship while playing alongside Rory McIlroy. Block then carded a double bogey on his third hole, but recovered with two birdies and made the turn to the front nine at Aronimink Golf Course two shots back of the leaders at 1-under par.

Scottie Scheffler starts with near miss

Mark Giannotto

The world's No. 1 golfer and 2025 PGA Championship winner nearly started his 2026 title defense with a bang. Scottie Scheffler carded pars on his first two holes playing alongside Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick, but No. 1 was almost spectacular.

Scheffler's approach shot landed just a few feet from the hole, but the ball then spun past the cup. Scheffler has missed two decent birdie opportunities on his opening two holes of the first round.

Xander Schauffele closes in contention, Jordan Spieth falters

Mark Giannotto

Just as soon as Jordan Spieth joined the co-leaders at the PGA Championship, he gave it all away with back-to-back bogeys after a poor three-putt at the par 4 No. 7 and an errant tee shot on the par 3 No. 8.

Xander Schauffele enters the clubhouse one shot back of first round co-leaders Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger, Min Woo Lee and Ryo Hisatsune after an up-and-down opening 18 holes. Schauffele finished with five birdies and three bogeys after starting on the back nine with three birdies on his first four holes.

He made due on a morning when his game off the tee and approaching the green weren't up to his usual standard. That could prove beneficial if he can get his entire game together beginning Friday.

Jordan Spieth is surging

Mark Giannotto

Here comes Jordan Spieth at the PGA Championship. He's charged to the top of the leaderboard, tied with three others at 3-under par after Min Woo Lee promptly recorded bogey on the next hole after taking a brief solo lead.

Spieth got birdies on back-to-back holes (No. 5 and No. 6) and the sometimes-erratic driver is taking advantage of a round in which he's hitting the fairway regularly. He ranks among the top 10 in the field right now off the tee and remains the top golfer in the field when he's had to scramble (and that's a skill in which he normally excels).

Spieth is only missing a win at the PGA Championship for the career grand slam, but his last major win came at the 2017 Open Championship.

Min Woo Lee takes solo lead

Mark Giannotto

There's a new solo leader at the 2026 PGA Championship because Min Woo Lee is on a roll. The 27-year-old Australian began his first round with a bogey at No. 10, but he has recovered with five birdies over the next 14 holes, including three on his back nine to move to 4-under for the tournament.

Lee is currently leading the field in strokes gained tee-to-green, and ranks among the top-five golfers on the course on his tee shot accuracy and shots around the green.

Bryson DeChambeau saved par from the stairs

Mark Giannotto

Bryson DeChambeau is in the midst of an absolutely horrible start to the 2026 PGA Championship. He began on the back nine of Aronimink Golf Course and made the turn with four bogeys in his first nine holes.

It looked like the round might go from bad to worse when DeChambeau's tee shot at No. 2 sailed so far right, DeChambeau had to shout "fore right" before the ball settled on the stairs of a hospitality structure.

"I'm so confused right now," DeChambeau was heard telling a rules official on the ESPN broadcast.

Eventually, he was awarded relief in the brush next to the temporary staircase and DeChambeau hit a fantastic approach shot over a bunker to the middle of the green. He missed the ensuing birdie putt left, but the par he recorded felt like a win given what a debacle it could have turned into after that tee shot.

DeChambeau currently sits at +4 for the tournament through 14 holes.

Jon Rahm holes out again (and this time viewers saw it)

Mark Giannotto

For the second professional golf round in a row, Jon Rahm has holed out in spectacular fashion.

Playing alongside Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, Rahm's first round at the 2026 PGA Championship was off to a sluggish start with a score of +2 through 10 holes after starting Thursday on the back nine. But on the par 4 second hole at Aronimink Golf Course, Rahm connected on his 98-yard approach shot perfectly and the ball bounced twice on the green before it sailed directly into the cup. The LIV Golf star moved to even par for the tournament with that shot.

It's the second time in less than a week Rahm has holed out with a flourish. At the LIV Golf Virginia event last week, Rahm recorded his first professional albatross when his second shot from 217 yards out at the par-5 17th hole at Trump National Washington D.C. went in the hole.

The problem is only Rahm and the people who witnessed it live initially saw what happened. The LIV Golf broadcast didn't show the shot. Eventually, footage from a distance emerged via the social media account of Rahm's LIV Golf team, Legion XIII.

Luckily, there appear to be more cameras available for the 2026 PGA Championship. Watch Rahm's first-round eagle for yourself:

Stephan Jäger (or Stephan Jaeger) still PGA Championship co-leader

Mark Giannotto

Stephan Jaeger's fast start to the PGA Championship has hit a bit of a snag on the back nine with two bogeys after four birdies on his first six holes of the opening round. He might find some momentum again after recovering to save par at No. 14. So he nonetheless remains a co-leader and a breakout trending topic during the early portion of the 2026 PGA Championship. But only if you spell the German golfer's name, Stephan Jäger. The PGA Tour spells it Stephan Jaeger.

Daniel Brown claims first eagle

Elizabeth Flores

Daniel Brown recorded the first eagle of the day with a brilliant shot on the 11th hole, moving to 2-under through 11 and climbing into a tie for third place. His impressive play on the par-4 energized the crowd and added momentum to his round as he looks to stay in contention.

Scottie Scheffler has arrived

Elizabeth Flores

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives at Aronimink Golf Club and heads into the clubhouse to finalize his preparations ahead of the first round. With a scheduled tee time of 2:05 p.m. ET, Scheffler will soon begin his highly anticipated opening round and aims to add another major title to his impressive resume.

Xander Schauffele's rocky first round

Elizabeth Flores

Xander Schauffele began his round on the back nine and made an impressive start with consecutive birdies. However, two bogeys have tempered his momentum, placing him at 2-under through eight holes. Despite the setbacks, Schauffele remains well-positioned as he looks to regain his early form.

Harry Hall PGA Championship scorecard

Elizabeth Flores

Harry Hall has slipped out of the top 10 after recording bogeys on the ninth, 10th, and 13th holes. Now 1-over through 14, Hall’s momentum has stalled as he battles to regain his early form and climb back up the leaderboard in the closing stretch of his round.

Cameron Smith PGA Championship scorecard

Elizabeth Flores

Cameron Smith, who began his round on the back nine, is 2-under through 10 holes. Despite consecutive bogeys on the 17th and 18th, Smith rebounded with a birdie on the first hole to kick off his final nine.

Garrick Higgo penalized for arriving late

Elizabeth Flores

Garrick Higgo narrowly avoided disqualification at the PGA Championship after arriving just five minutes before his scheduled 7:18 a.m. ET tee time. As a result of his late arrival, Higgo has been assessed a two-stroke penalty.

Three-way battle on top

Elizabeth Flores

A thrilling three-way battle is unfolding at the top of the PGA Championship leaderboard. Stephan Jaeger, Bud Cauley, and Cameron Smith have each surged to 3-under par in the early stages, setting the pace among a talented field.

Rory McIlroy birdies on second hole

Elizabeth Flores

Rory McIlroy began his first round on the back nine, quickly rebounding from an early bogey on the 10th hole with a birdie on the 11th. After two holes, he sits at even par in the opening round of his PGA Championship campaign.

Stephan Jaeger extends lead

Elizabeth Flores

Stephan Jaeger hits three consecutive birdies on the fourth, fifth, and sixth holes to move to 4-under through six, seizing the outright lead. His strong stretch of play has set him apart from the rest of the field early in the opening round.

Where can I watch PGA championship

Elizabeth Flores

The 2026 PGA Championship will be broadcast on CBS and ESPN, with streaming available on ESPN+ and Paramount+. Viewers can also stream on Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers. Broadcast schedule according to pgachampionship.com:

Thursday, May 14: First Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from noon-7 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to ESPN2 from 7-8 p.m. ET

What's ESPN+?

Elizabeth Flores

ESPN+ is a standalone, direct-to-consumer streaming service from ESPN that delivers an array of exclusive live sports events, original programming, and a vast library of on-demand content. Subscribers can watch live coverage of major tournaments, in-depth analysis, documentaries, and more, all accessible through the existing ESPN App. ESPN+ is available for $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year.

Rory McIlroy tee's off

Elizabeth Flores

Fresh off his victory at the 2026 Masters, Rory McIlroy has officially begun his quest for another major title, teeing off to start his PGA Championship campaign. He is paired with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm for the first round.

Harry Hall finds the top position

Elizabeth Flores

Harry Hall recorded back-to-back birdies on the fifth and sixth holes, moving to 2-under through six and making a strong push up the leaderboard.

Alex Fitzpatrick tops leaderboard

Elizabeth Flores

Alex Fitzpatrick has surged to the top of a tightly contested leaderboard as the first round gets underway on Thursday. Despite a bogey on the fifth hole, Fitzpatrick remains 1-under through five holes. With several golfers close behind, the competition is shaping up to be intense as the opening round continues.

TV schedule for the 2026 PGA Championship

Elizabeth Flores

Broadcast schedule according to pgachampionship.com:

Thursday, May 14: First Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from noon-7 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to ESPN2 from 7-8 p.m. ET

Friday, May 15: Second Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from noon-7 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to ESPN2 from 7-8 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 16: Third Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 8 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from 10 a.m. to noon ET
• Main broadcast moves to CBS from 1-7 p.m. ET

Sunday, May 17: Final Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 8 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to CBS from 1-7 p.m. ET

How to stream 2026 PGA Championship

Elizabeth Flores

Fans can stream the PGA Championship live action on ESPN+ and Paramount+, ensuring access to every round from multiple devices. Additionally, FuboTV, which features the full ESPN network lineup, will offer live streaming and a free trial for new subscribers.

Broadcast schedule according to pgachampionship.com:

Thursday, May 14: First Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from noon-7 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to ESPN2 from 7-8 p.m. ET

Rory McIlroy injury update

Elizabeth Flores

Rory McIlroy completed his nine-hole practice round on Wednesday without any issues and appears to have found a solution to improve his comfort for the first round on Thursday. To alleviate discomfort, McIlroy will use a cushion around his pinky toe and wear a half-size larger shoe, providing extra space and reducing pressure on the blister.

McIlory said he felt fine and experienced no discomfort during the practice session.

Rory McIlroy set to tee off at 8:40 a.m. ET

Elizabeth Flores

Rory McIlroy will tee off at 8:40 a.m. ET on Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club, where he will be paired with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm.

When will Tiger Woods return to golf?

Kristie Ackert

The PGA Championship tees off Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia on Thursday and Tiger Woods will not be there.  

Right now, nobody knows if he will ever be back.  

Woods is believed to be in a 90-day rehabilitation program in Zurich, Switzerland, receiving physical and psychological treatment following his March 27 arrest on a DUI charge in Jupiter Island, Florida. He has not competed since The Open Championship in July 2024. He missed the Masters for the second straight year. He had registered for the U.S. Senior Open hours before the crash. That is now obviously in serious doubt.  

USA TODAY Sports' Kristie Ackert has more on Tiger Woods and his time away from golf.

Where to watch PGA Championship: TV and stream

Gabe Zaldivar

How to watch 2026 PGA Championship

The 2026 PGA Championship will be broadcast on CBS and ESPN, with streaming available on ESPN+ and Paramount+. Viewers can also stream on Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers. Broadcast schedule according to pgachampionship.com:

Thursday, May 14: First Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from noon-7 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to ESPN2 from 7-8 p.m. ET

Friday, May 15: Second Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 6:45 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from noon-7 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to ESPN2 from 7-8 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 16: Third Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 8 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from 10 a.m. to noon ET
• Main broadcast moves to CBS from 1-7 p.m. ET

Sunday, May 17: Final Round

• Early rounds streaming on ESPN+ starting at 8 a.m. ET
• Main broadcast on ESPN from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
• Main broadcast moves to CBS from 1-7 p.m. ET

Stream PGA Championship live with a free trial with Fubo

Rory McIlroy injury update: Latest on blister

Kristie Ackert

Rory McIlroy was back on the course at Aronimink Golf Club on Wednesday, May 13, declaring that a blister on his right foot would not stop him from challenging in this weekend’s PGA Championship.  

McIlroy told the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the blister under the pinky toe on his right foot "feels way better."

The two-time Masters champion cut short his practice round Tuesday after spending much of it fussing with his right shoe. He lasted just three holes, visibly limping to the third hole tee box before sitting down in the third fairway to take off his shoe. He was eventually given a cart ride back to the clubhouse to try and find more comfortable footwear.  

When does Rory McIlroy tee off today?

Gabe Zaldivar

Rory McIlroy is part of a solid group going out at 8:40 p.m. on Thursday. It's a pairing that includes Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm.

Where is the 2026 PGA Championship?

Mark Giannotto

The 2026 PGA is being held at Aronimink Golf Course in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania outside Philadelphia.

PGA Championship tee times, pairings

Here is a full list of tee times for the PGA Championship. Some notable groups are listed below:

1st Tee

• 12:37 p.m.: Akshay Bhatia, Ricky Castillo, Michael Thorbjornsen
• 12:48 p.m.: Luke Donald, Jesse Droemer, Stewart Cink
• 12:59 p.m.: Hideki Matsuyama, J.J. Spaun, Max Homa
• 1:54 p.m.: Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, Justin Thomas
• 2:05 p.m.: Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose

10th Tee

• 7:34 a.m.: Gary Woodland, Jason Day, Sam Burns
• 7:45 a.m.: Wyndham Clark, Cameron Smith, Brian Harman
• 7:56 a.m.: Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, Sahith Theegala
• 8:18 a.m.: Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Rickie Fowler
• 8:29 a.m.: Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Tyrrell Hatton
• 8:40 a.m.: Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm

PGA Championship odds: Favorites

Odds as of Wednesday, May 13, according to BetMGM.

Favorites

• Scottie Scheffler (+450)
• Rory McIlroy (+900)
• Cameron Young (+1200)
• Jon Rahm (+1400)
• Ludvig Aberg (+1800)
• Xander Schauffele (+1800)
• Bryson DeChambeau (+2000)
• Matt Fitzpatrick (+2200)
• Tommy Fleetwood (+2500)

PGA Championship predictions

Jon Hoefling

Keith Stewart, Golf Digest: Cameron Young to win

Stewart writes, "In his last seven starts, Cameron Young has two wins (Players, Cadillac) and four additional top 10s. Young’s flat stick consistency is the engine behind his current success. Pair that with his ball-striking, and you have a championship-caliber player."

Neil Parker, Covers: Cameron Young, Russell Henley are values

In regards to Young, Parker writes, "The complete package has been on full display, and it’s clear stylistically and statistically with Young checking all the boxes and cashing in wins, so I expect him to contend again this week."

With Henley, Parker claims, "Few can match Henley’s elite tee-to-green precision and touch on and around the greens, so this number stands out for a proven winner who’s also popped in recent major championships."

Michael Leboff, New York Post: Collin Morikawa is a sleeper

Leboff writes, "There were a lot of concerns about Morikawa’s back ahead of Augusta, but he put those to bed with a T7 finish. The 2020 PGA Champion rolled that form into the next week, finishing T4 at the RBC Heritage. He came undone in his next start at the Blue Monster, but he’s still coming into the second major of the season with a win and five top-10 finishes in his last six outings."

Matt Barrie, ESPN: Cameron Young over Scheffler, McIlroy

Barrie writes, "There's only one player in the world that's gone head-to-head with Scheffler and McIlroy this season and it's Young. His dad is a club professional, which is the foundation of this tournament. His winning window is open. And he hoists the Wanamaker this week."