Hosting the event for the first time since 2017, the challenging course tested the field, but a handful of players rose to the occasion, setting the stage for an exciting weekend.
Ryan Fox, Luke Donald, Alex Noren, J.T. Poston, and Alex Smalley share the clubhouse lead at four-under-par 67 after the opening round.
Fox, fresh off his first PGA Tour victory at last week's ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, continued his hot streak despite admitting to minimal preparation following celebrations. The 38-year-old New Zealander carded six birdies but closed with a bogey on the ninth, his final hole. "It's not ideal prep for a major, but you have to celebrate the wins," Fox said, reflecting on his whirlwind week.
Luke Donald, the 47-year-old European Ryder Cup captain, delivered a bogey-free 67, showcasing his veteran poise. Saving par from a greenside bunker on the 18th, Donald circled four birdies in a flawless round.
His performance evokes memories of his 2006 PGA Championship at Medinah, where he finished third after contending with Tiger Woods.
Noren, Poston, and Smalley matched the leaders, each navigating Quail Hollow's demanding layout, including the notorious Green Mile, with precision.
Quail Hollow, a par-71 stretching over 7,600 yards, is known for its punishing closing stretch, dubbed the Green Mile (holes 16-18). The course demands accuracy and resilience, qualities the current leaders displayed in spades. With three rounds remaining, the battle for the Wanamaker Trophy is wide open, but Fox and Donald's opening salvos have set a high bar.
Golf fans can expect more drama as the championship unfolds. Will Fox's newfound form carry him to a maiden major top-10? Can Donald turn back the clock for a career-defining moment? Stay tuned as Quail Hollow reveals its next chapter.
Bryson DeChambeau is embracing the chance for another major showdown with Rory McIlroy at this week's PGA Championship, just weeks after their gripping battle at the Masters.
Fresh off his Masters victory last month that secured his career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy admits he feels unburdened by pressure as he prepares to tee off in the second major of the year at Quail Hollow.
This week's PGA Championship is hosted at the Quail Hollow Club, the ideal place for Rory McIlroy to hunt for a second major crown this year given his superlative record.
Jordan Spieth is aiming to be number seven in the club of golfing greats as the PGA Championship tees off this week.
