Xander Schauffele delivered a historic performance at the PGA Championship's opening round, matching the lowest round in major golf history with a stunning nine-under-par 62 at Valhalla Golf Club. The reigning Olympic champion surged ahead with a three-shot lead after an impeccable display, carding six birdies on the front nine and adding four more without a bogey after the turn.
Expressing his satisfaction with the remarkable start, Schauffele acknowledged the significance of his score in such a prestigious tournament. His performance atop the leaderboard overshadowed the impressive rounds from contenders like Tony Finau, Mark Hubbard, and Sahith Theegala, who trailed at 65, and a group of players including Rory McIlroy, Tom Kim, and Robert MacIntyre at 66.
Despite personal challenges following his recent divorce announcement, McIlroy displayed resilience, posting a solid 66, while Finau remained bogey-free to tie his second-lowest major round at 65. Defending champion Brooks Koepka and seasoned players like Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods also navigated the course, setting the stage for an intriguing competition amidst the rain-softened conditions anticipated in the coming days.
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