PGA Championship Leaderboard: Cam Davis And Ryan Gerard Tied At The Top As Rory McIlroy Struggles In Opening Round

THAT'S ALL FOR DAY ONE

As the remaining players engage in a race to finish off their opening rounds before the sun sets in Charlotte, North Carolina, it's time for us to sign off for the day and reflect on everything we've witnessed at Quail Hollow.

It started in peculiar fashion with complaints about the rough and players dealing with mudballs. Then there was the underwhelming rounds from Rory McIlroy (74) and Xander Schauffele (72). Many of the big names struggled to overpower a course most felt would suit the longer hitter, and we're left with a leaderboard devoid of many household names.

But take nothing away from those who performed admirably. As it stands, Ryan Gerard and Cam Davis lead the way on five-under (66) with plenty of multiple-time PGA Tour winners in the hunt with 54 holes remaining.

Join us again here tomorrow as we bring you all of the second-round action - including the race to make the cut - from Quail Hollow. Thank you for tuning in.

DIMMED POWERS OF RECOVERY

DeChambeau stabs his ball out of the trees and leaves himself a delicate little chip up the green. The result of his third shot was maybe a B, but it wasn't good enough to aid a par save. The LIV man rolled his eight-foot effort to the left of the hole and will sign for a 71, dropping a shot at the last. A sickening feeling.

Meanwhile, Hovland scooped his second into the front bunker before whipping one into the air and stunning it six feet past the flag. Left with a downhill putt, his line was a little too optimistic and the ball never wandered as far right as Hovland expected. Another final-hole bogey is added to the list, but he won't mind walking away with a two-under round of 69.

MAKING A MESS OF 18

Wyndham Clark and Tom Kim are both using every piece of this fine property to make their way down 18. Eventually, Kim walks off with a double-bogey six while Clark escapes with a bogey-five after finding the water off the tee.

Following them down the closing stretch, DeChambeau screamed "fore right" as his ball sailed off towards the fans and Hovland looked exasperated as his drive turned over to the left. World-class players are really struggling at what has historically been the hardest hole on the property.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO VEGAS?

As DeChambeau moves into the red, Rai is unable to chisel out another birdie at his final hole and will sign for a 67 - a brilliant opening day for the PGA Tour winner.

One name we haven't seen much today is Jhonattan Vegas. It turns out the Venezuelan is carding birdies for fun at Quail Hollow. He has six (as well as two bogeys) to squeeze into the six-man group on four-under, and he still has four holes left in his first round.

A TASTE OF WHAT IS TO COME AT BETHPAGE?

Speaking of magic and genius, Viktor Hovland joins the group on three-under after chipping in on the par-4 16th. That's also two birdies in a row for the Norwegian. Are we seeing a little bit of what's in store at Bethpage?

On a similar note, Hovland's potential teammate, Aaron Rai has left himself with a 15-foot birdie putt at the ninth hole (his 18th) after driving one into the heart of the putting surface and watching it roll down towards the flag. Beautiful.

The quality shots just keep on coming! It's almost an ace from Bryson DeChambeau at the par-3 17th hole. Measuring 228 yards, the American apparently hit an 8-iron!? Whichever club he used, it was the right one. The ball appeared destined to drop, only to have a look in the hole but stay above ground. Brutal.

JT MAGIC

That is genius from Justin Thomas. Just straight-up genius. His approach into the 18th landed almost right against a large rock and left him with a choice to make. Try and get really steep to flick it onto dry land, punch it against the rock and leave your tournament in the hands of the golf gods, or do the sensible thing and take a drop before trying to get up and down.

Thomas took one shoe off, his left, and considered placing one foot in the stream to play the shot with the ball at knee height. In the end, he decided to hold himself on the bank and play it from much closer to his ankles. Thomas took a while to consider his options but eventually decided this way was the best. He flicked his ball out of the rough and onto the green, leaving a 12-foot par putt. Unreal.

Sadly for all concerned, the brave move didn't result in a par. His attempt dribbled just wide left, and it's a closing bogey for Thomas to finish on two-over. That was a rollercoaster of a first round for Thomas who will have to come out again early tomorrow and try to haul himself into the weekend.

LIV GOLFERS FIGHTING BACK

Shortly after Tyrrell Hatton ends his day with a closing birdie to reach three-under, DeChambeau makes it birdies 2 bogeys 2 in the battle for supremacy on his scorecard. The Crushers GC captain makes a gain at the par-5 15th and continues to battle away.

On the flip side, Collin Morikawa tries to banana cut his ball out of the right rough and 18 and plonks it right in the stream running down the middle of the hole. That is a rather confusing decision, I have to say...

TEAM EUROPE CAPTAIN SHOWING THE REST HOW IT'S DONE

Luke Donald, boss of Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, had a fantastic day at Quail Hollow today. As a result, he earns a little slice of history...

RAI-GHT ON THE MONEY

Aaron Rai is playing Quail Hollow's nines the opposite way around today, but his game is certainly in order, don't you worry about that. The Englishman cards his fifth birdie of the day to reach four-under with just two holes to play.

Meanwhile, Morikawa chips in from off the back of the par-3 17th to move up to three-under. The wind has died down a little bit as the sun begins to set. Thomas follows him in for par on the same hole. Getting out of here today at one-over would be a great result for Thomas, considering where he was not that long ago.

DR CHIPINSKI NOT ANSWERING ABERG

Ludvig Aberg is the latest player to miscalculate the par-4 16th and fly it through the back, only for the rough to save his bacon. Unlike Thomas, though, the Swede is unable to call Dr. Chipinski and must roll home a 12-foot putt to walk away without any damage. He can't, and the Genesis Invitational champion is back to -1.

CAM COMES UP SHORT

Leader, Davis has missed the green right at 18 and is facing a brutal up-and-down from the rough to retain his one-stroke advantage heading into Friday's second round. Part one is fantastic, throwing his golf ball up into the air over a greenside bunker and watching it come to rest some six-eight feet away.

However, the Australian no longer leads on his own after missing the short par save. His last stroke of the day is a bogey tap-in, which cannot be fun at all. Davis can take plenty of solace from the fact he signs for a 66 and has so many of the world's absolute best comfortably behind him.

HERE COMES THOMAS

Justin Thomas is quietly putting together an absolute masterclass in resilience at Quail Hollow. Having been four-over and staring down the barrel of an early exit, the American has just slotted home his third birdie in a row at the 16th. The way his hat-trick arrived was incredible, too.

In the right rough off the tee, Thomas drew his approach into the green with far too much zip and it exploded off the surface before somehow being held up the thick collar of rough. Left with no choice but to send his golf ball into orbit with shot three, Thomas landed it just short of the flag and watched the ball roll home. Just outrageous!

MORIKAWA MAKES A MOVE

That's two birdies in a row for Collin Morikawa at the par-4 14th and the par-5 15th. He's now at two-under for the day.

Elsewhere, DeChambeau writes down a four at the par-3 13th and he's back to one-over. His LIV Golf peer, Tyrrell Hatton remains at three-under, though, after lagging a long-range putt to the hole side at 16.

DRIVE FOR SHOW, PUTT FOR DOUGH

How's this for a stat slider, if you will, from Justin Ray?

A LEADERBOARD FEW SAW COMING

As it stands, there are not many household names sat on the first page of the leaderboard. Dan Rapaport has called it "the most unexpected Thursday leaderboard of a Major" that he can recall. I know one group of people who are enjoying this so far - the bookmakers. Still, there's plenty of time for things to change.

ROUGH BREAK

Throughout the day, there have been complaints over the height of the rough at Quail Hollow, and particularly near the water which has stopped golf balls from trickling to a watery grave.

Cam Davis will be thankful the rough is so high and thick, however, as his approach towards the 7th green (his 16th) is just about held on dry land by the luscious vegetation...

BIG NAMES BATTLING

A couple of star faces are not enjoying the best of days out here - namely, Ludvig Aberg and Jordan Spieth. Aberg is one-under for the day but struggling with his irons. He pulls out a lovely bunker shot to likely save par at the par-3 13th, though. Meanwhile, Spieth gets his tee shot wrong at the same hole, sending his ball long and left.

Someone who isn't struggling is Taylor Pendrith! The Canadian holes out for eagle at the par-4 third hole (his 12th) to reach two-under.

DAVIS HITS THE FRONT

Davis dribbles his 15-footer down the slope from left to right and watches it just about fall in the right side of the hole. The 2021 and 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic champion is leading a Major. And he still has three holes to play. Thankfully for him, it is not the Green Mile, so he may even be able to extend his advantage.

Earlier on, Gerard was three strokes clear entering the Green Mile before making bogey at 17 and 18...

NEW LEADER INCOMING?

Cam Davis looks in complete control with iron in hand, and the rest of his clubs, to be fair. But the Australian shows his prowess with the irons by flying his tee shot right over the flag at the par-3 6th (his 15th). He has maybe 15 feet left for birdie. Should that go, Davis would lead on his own.

Elsewhere, Thomas duffs a chip as his troubles continue. But Bryson DeChambeau shows his resilience by making his first birdie of the day at the par-5 10th, helping him return to even par. This has been really gritty from a player who is usually known for his entertaining.

MACKENZIE HUGHES CHIPS IN

The Canadian was left with a tough downhill lie for his second-shot chip at the driveable par-4 14th hole. With little choice but to fire his ball low and try to make it check hard once it reached the green, Hughes failed to execute the shot as he'd planned. However, he watched his ball crash into the flag and drop for eagle when a near-certain bogey was inevitable if the ball had carried on into the waiting water. Better to be lucky than good, as a wise man once said...

DAVIS INTO A SHARE

No ace for Cam Davis, but the Australian achieves the next best score at the par-3 fourth and moves alongside Gerard on five-under.

Meanwhile, Viktor Hovland has vaulted himself up to three-under after nine holes. The Norwegian is bogey-free as well. Could he make a charge today and give the top page of the leaderboard something to think about?

HOLE IN ONE BY ERIC COLE

We have an ace! The first of the 2025 PGA Championship, I believe. 186 yards out with a 7-iron, Eric Cole sumptuously draws his golf ball into the par-3 fourth (his 13th hole), it bounces a couple of times before dancing down the flagstick and disappearing into the cup. Superb scenes!

THOMAS IS TOILING

Having found a fairway bunker down the left of the par-4 11th, Justin Thomas pulls his second shot left of the green. He spins around and thumps the sand with his club - it's been one of those days for JT, unfortunately.

The cut line (a bit early, I know) is currently at two-over. Thomas is a shot outside of that as it stands. Plenty of time to recover the situation, mind.

CLASS IS PERMANENT

You've heard of the old saying 'form is temporary, class is permanent' - Adam Scott is the living embodiment...

WIND PICKING UP

It's certainly a little more breezy than it was for the morning wave and there are a few wayward drives not being helped by the weather. Cam Davis remains the biggest threat to Ryan Gerard's outright lead, but he is in a spot of trouble on his 12th (the third hole) after missing the short grass off the tee.

The Australian shows his class, though, escaping with a par-4 to remain at four-under for the day.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

In case you missed Scottie Scheffler's thoughts after his first round, it's safe to say the World No.1 wasn't best pleased about mud balls following his two-under 69 this morning.

HIDEKI GETS UNDER-PAR

The Japanese star has birdied the par 4 eighth to get to one-under-par, with Matsuyama rolling in a lovely putt from mid-range.

Back in 2017, when the PGA Championship was held at Quail Hollow, Matsuyama led going into the final round, so don't count him out in terms of who could win this championship.

Away from Matsuyama, Aberg has made just the fourth birdie of the day at the ninth hole, with the Swede now two-under for his day. He will now head into the back nine.

BLOCK PARTY

Michael Block famously sprung on to the scene at the 2023 PGA Championship, where he famously made a hole-in-one alongside Rory McIlroy.

In 2025, he has managed to qualify for the championship and, for his first round, he is a respectable one-over-par through 10 holes, after a birdie and two bogeys.

HOW ARE THE BIG NAMES DOING?

There are some huge names in the afternoon wave but, as of now, they aren't firing at Quail Hollow.

Currently, Tyrrell Hatton is two-under, while Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland are one-under. Jordan Spieth has just got back to level-par, with Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama also at that score.

Justin Thomas is still four-over, while Bryson DeChambeau is one-over, alongside the likes of Cameron Smith, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.

DAVIS GETS TO FOUR-UNDER

Like Rai, Davis is also firing at flags and, at the par 4 first, his 10th of the day, the Australian produces a delightful approach to five-feet, with Davis knocking in the putt for birdie to get to four-under-par.

SUPERB FROM AARON RAI

He was three-under through six holes, but Rai has just played an exquisite chip at the par 4 16th, his seventh hole of the day, to get to four-under-par.

In the rough for his third shot, the Englishman lands the ball perfectly on the green and, after rolling down the slope, it hits the bottom of the cup for a huge birdie at one of the toughest holes on the course.

THREE IN A ROW FOR SCOTT

Adam Scott has struggled for form in 2025 but, through eight holes, the Australian is three-under after a trio of birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth.

He's not the only player to make a good start, with the English pair of Aaron Rai and Tyrrell Hatton three-and-two-under-par for their rounds. There's also Cam Davis who, through nine holes, is also three-under and in a share of seventh.

TYLER COLLET WITH THE NEAR ACE

BIG SAVE FOR BRYSON

It hasn't been a strong start for DeChambeau, who misses the green with a wedge in hand at the par 3 fourth. What's more, his chip only just trickles on to the green but, with the putt, he slams it home to stay one-over-par.

Up ahead, Thomas' struggles continue, with the American finding the water with his approach at the par 5 seventh. Finding the green with his fourth shot, his putt from 15-feet never looks anywhere else as it drops in for a good par. Could that switch momentum for JT?

GERARD'S HIGHLIGHTS

TORRID TIME FOR JT

In contrast, Thomas' struggles continue in North Carolina, with the two-time PGA Championship winner now four-over for his round through six holes.

Double bogeying the second, Thomas bogeyed the par 4 third and has failed to get up-and-down at the par 3 sixth, with the American now well down the leaderboard early on.

BIRDIES ROLLING IN

Some big names are starting to get in the groove at Quail Hollow and, at the par 4 fifth, Ludvig Aberg rolls in the birdie to move back to level-par.

Along with Aberg, Patrick Reed makes back-to-back birdies at the fourth and fifth to get under-par for his round. The American is coming off a strong showing at The Masters and will hope his form continues.

J.J SPAUN WITH A HOT START

The American is having an excellent 2025 and, through six holes, J.J. Spaun finds himself four-under-par.

Birdieing the 10th, his first hole of the day, Spaun has made three birdies on the bounce at the 13th, 14th and 15th to move into a share of second. Can he continue his excellent start?

BIRDIE FOR HOVLAND

Excellent start for Hovland who, after back-to-back pars, produces an excellent approach at the par 4 third. He is now one-under for his round.

Alongside Hovland, DeChambeau goes over the back of the green with his second and fails to get up-and-down. He is one-over for the day.

YOUR CURRENT ROUND ONE LEADER

BOGEY FOR GERARD

That's back-to-back bogeys at the 17th and 18th for Gerard, who finishes with a five-under-par round of 66. He still leads by one, but two dropped shots at the end will sting.

STRUGGLES DOWN THE 18TH

Gerard has found the fairway bunker off the tee at the finishing hole and, with an iron in hand, the American thins his second.

Luckily, the ball pops out of the sand and down the fairway and, from the short grass, Gerard plays his third to around 10-feet and will have that for a closing par and six-under round of 65.

SCHEFFLER REACTS AFTER OPENING ROUND

The World No.1 produced a two-under 69 on Thursday, thanks to a strong back nine. Speaking after his round, Scheffler stated: "I'm satisfied with my finish. It's always nice coming off the course finishing with a birdie. Today I feel like I did some good things out there and did some things I could improve on."

Scheffler was also asked about the mud ball on the 16th and, explaining the situation, the World No.1 said: "It's one of those deals where it's frustrating to hit the ball in the middle of the fairway and get mud on it and have no idea where it's going to go.

"I understand it's part of the game, but there's nothing more frustrating for a player. You spend your whole life trying to learn how to control a golf ball, and due to a rules decision all of a sudden you have absolutely no control over where that golf ball goes. But I don't make the rules. I just have to deal with the consequences of those rules."

BOGEY FOR GERARD

Playing the par 3 17th, Gerard pushes his tee shot right and, with the subsequent chip, it's average at best. Left with around eight-feet for par, his putt slides by the right side and, after tapping in, he moves back to six-under.

PAR AT THE FIRST FOR BRYSON

Strong start for DeChambeau, who just misses his birdie putt from 30-feet. Opening with a par, he then bombs his drive at the second hole 350 yards, leaving him just a flick of a wedge in at the 450 yard par 4...

GERARD LOOKING STRONG

Leader, Gerard, is remaining strong in the final stages of his round, with the American parring the tough 16th. He remains at seven-under, three ahead.

Back at the first, DeChambeau fires in his approach from 200 yards and safely finds the back-edge of the green. He will have a good look for birdie. In his group, Hovland fires his second over the back, despite being in an A1 position.

THOMAS DOUBLE BOGEYS THE SECOND

Not the start JT was looking for, as the American makes a mess of the second hole. Pulling his tee shot left, Thomas has to chip out and, from there, he puts his pitch to 18-feet. Following that shot, he then three putts for double bogey, leaving him two-over through two.

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU GETS HIS ROUND UNDERWAY

The stars are out this afternoon and now on the tee is Bryson DeChambeau. The two-time Major winner is among the favorites this week and, at the first, he pounds his tee shot down the middle of the fairway.

He is playing alongside Viktor Hovland, who finds the right-side of the short grass, and Gary Woodland, who carves his tee shot into the right rough.

WORK TO BE DONE FOR RORY

SCHEFFLER BIRDIES, RORY MAKES BOGEY

After his excellent approach, Scheffler makes birdie for an excellent back nine and a two-under opening round of 69. That leaves him just outside the top 10.

In terms of Schauffele, he gets up-and-down from the back of the green for a one-over-par 72. McIlroy, who has a similar putt to that of the American, is unable to hole his par attempt, with the five-time Major winner carding a three-over-par 74. Work to be done tomorrow for Rory...

GERARD CHIPS IN FOR EAGLE

Perfectly played chip from Gerard, who gets to seven-under-par and leads the PGA Championship by three! The American is greenside in two on the par 5 15th and, faced with a straight forward chip, Gerard rolls it in for an eagle. Superb stuff!

EXCELLENT FROM SCOTTIE

The marquee group are playing their final hole of the day, the par 4 ninth, with Scheffler finishing with a fine shot. Playing from the left-side of the fairway, the American puts it to two-feet from 215-yards and will tap-in for birdie.

Schauffele's second goes over the back and, in terms of McIlroy, he plays his pitch, his third, to around 11-feet. He will need to hole that for par.

LATE BLEMISH FOR JAEGER

It turns out Jaeger's tee shot found the water at the 18th and, after an awkward drop, his third shot lands and stays in the greenside bunker to the right.

From there, the German splashes out to six-foot and is able to hole the putt for a bogey. Although he'll disappointed with the dropped shot, it's still a fine round from Jaeger, who sits in the logjam at four-under-par.

SPIETH BEGINS GRAND SLAM ATTEMPT

Like McIlroy at The Masters, Jordan Spieth has the chance to complete the Career Grand Slam this week at the PGA Championship.

He would become the seventh player to do so with a victory and, at the first hole, Spieth hits a delightful high draw that finds the center of the fairway. Perfect start for the three-time Major winner.

BIRDIE FOR XANDER, PARS FOR RORY AND SCOTTIE

Schauffele leaves himself the longest birdie putt of the three at the par 4 17th but, from 12-foot, he converts to get back to one-over-par.

Both McIlroy and Scheffler have decent looks for birdie as well, but the World No.2 and No.1 are unable to hole their putts as they slide-by the right-side. McIlroy remains two-over, while Scheffler is one-under.

JUSTIN THOMAS GETS HIS ROUND UNDERWAY

Justin Thomas is one of the favorites to lift the Wanamaker Trophy this week and, at the first hole, he safely hits the fairway to get his round underway.

He is playing alongside Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa, who both also find the fairway at the opening hole. What's more, it seems that the fairways may be drying out fractionally, after Morikawa's tee shot runs out a significant amount.

EXCELLENT ROUND FROM THE CAPTAIN

Donald enjoyed fine bogey-free round at Quail Hollow and, after his round, the European Ryder Cup captain stated: "Obviously very pleased with the score, bogey-free in a Major. Someone just told me it was the lowest first round in a Major I’ve had since 2004 or something.

"So you know, obviously I’ve been trending with all the missed cuts coming into this week. But no, it was a pleasant surprise. I got off to a really nice, steady start. I hit a bunch of fairways on the front nine which always makes me feel good about my game. I didn’t hit a ton of greens today but my putter was really good."

LEADER IN TROUBLE

Jaeger is playing the final hole and, currently, he sits five-under for the day and in a share of the lead alongside Ryan Gerard. However, at the 18th, it seems that Jaeger may have found the water that runs through the center of the fairway with his tee shot.

RORY FINDS THE FAIRWAY

McIlroy has struggled off the tee today but, at the short par 4 17th, he finds the fairway and will have a short pitch to the green. He is currently two-over for the day, as is playing partner, Schauffele, who has a tough shot coming in from the thick rough.

WORRYING STAT

It's been a bad day at the office for Rory and the big stick. Personally, I've never seen him so wayward. I wouldn't be surprised if he went to the range straight after his round - he seems to have a two-way miss going on.

Again, I say this like I know what I'm talking about. I can confidently say, however, he's driven the ball badly today and he will need no-one to remind him of this after his round.

FOX FLYING HIGH DESPITE POOR PREP

"I played really solid today. It hasn’t been the ideal prep coming in for me, obviously winning last week, being last man in. I literally played 18 holes yesterday and that was the only thing I did preparation-wise, basically, hit a few balls on Tuesday and played one hole before the storm came in.

"Obviously knew I was playing well and just tried to get out of my own way and just let it happen. Today I was really happy with how I did that. Kept the momentum going from last week pretty nicely."

The players get asked A LOT about their preparation ahead of the Major Championships. The Kiwi's round is proof that sometimes you can just go out there and play, not overthink things.

I say this like I know what I'm talking about.

STEPHAN JAEGER LEADS AT -5

The German gets himself out of the pack at -4. He was out in 32 and has just entered the last three holes, which is a really tough section at Quail Hollow.

A few facts on the current pacesetter. From shooting 58 in a pro event to winning six times on the Korn Ferry Tour and earning his PGA Tour card, Jaeger has been in the pro ranks since 2012.

The German moved to Tennessee to play college golf and has been based in the US ever since.

SITTING PRETTY

"I haven't been trending towards something like this," Luke Donald says after his round of 67. He says he has been working hard on his game, though. It showed.

Says it's fun working towards the Ryder Cup for a second time and he's excited about what lies ahead. "The old captain has a little life in him" he jokes. He sure does.

STAT ATTACK

This is a good one. A par at the 18th would give Luke Donald his lowest opening round in a Major in 21 years.

Well, he made it. The force is still strong in Luke.

ARMY GOLF FROM RORY

We're used to seeing Rory striping his drives and splitting fairways but he's been out of sorts today. We've seen him go right and now he's gone left - that was hooky.

What an incredible response from the fairway trap - over the pin, 15 feet for birdie. I'm calling it early, though: Rory doesn't win this week. He's been out partying in his Green Jacket, I reckon. Good on him, I say.

Donald and Fox are both in with 67s - that's bogey free from Donald. I thought when you were a Ryder Cup captain you downed tools and just took it easy watching lots of golf.

AT THE TOP

The Kiwi is carrying on from where he left off at the Myrtle Beach Classic. Can he safely close out a very fine opening round? No, bogey at his final hole. Still, a decent day's work. A very decent day's work, in fact.

We have Noren, Fox, Donald, Poston and Smalley leading at -4.

MUD BALL!

A mud ball for Ryan Fox and that's one of his first loose shots of the day. A little trouble for our leader coming up.

A reminder of what the PGA of America said yesterday evening, as we're going to hear a few complaints about this from the players, I'm sure.

"We do not plan to play preferred lies. The playing surfaces are outstanding and are drying by the hour. We are mowing the fairways this evening."

The weather at Quail Hollow has led to a soft course that is playing even longer than its official yardage. A by-product of the wetter conditions means that there was always a risk of mud balls coming into play, but the PGA of America was confident that the course was dry enough to avoid playing 'lift, clean and place.'

Big championships like to avoid lift, clean and place on the fairways as it allows players to clean their golf balls and place them on perfect lies, while it also means that any records broken are unofficial or at least carry an asterisk.

AT THE BOTTOM END...

One of the pre tournament favorites, Brooks Koepka is at +5. The three-time winner with a really ugly-looking card so far and has just four holes left of his first round to repair some of the damage.

Phil Mickelson (+4), who famously won this tournament at the age of 50, is also struggling.

SCOTTIE STRUGGLING?

Don't be silly. He rolls in a 10-footer at the 2nd to get back under par. Fox and Noren are sharing the lead at -5.

MORE TROUBLES ON 2

It's fair to say that Rory hasn't driven the ball too well today. He's underneath the trees on the 2nd, but does a pretty good job of carving one up onto the green from about 130 yards. A 72 wouldn't be a bad score from here, you feel.

It's a good putt from mid range and he escapes with a par. Talking of good putts, Fox hits the front with another good roll. -5 leads.

NOT GOING TO PLAN... YET

It's another bogey for McIlroy at the 1st - he slips to +2. That eagle from Scheffler aside, no real fireworks from the top 3 in the world just yet.

We've got a four-way tie at the top. Donald, Noren, Echavarria and Jaeger all at -4.

QUAIL SHOWING ITS TEETH

We might currently have a bunch of players in the red numbers, but there's plenty of trouble out there and 'RXS' are certainly finding enough of it.

The par-4 1st is no pushover. McIlroy is in the greenside trap and that looked like a straight block. A lot of people were expecting a fast start from the Northern Irishman, myself included, but after opening with a birdie on 10, the Masters champion has been a bit off it.

THREE AT THE TOP

Stephan Jaeger has joined Donald and Fox at the top of the leaderboard on -4. We've then got eight players at -3.

Talking of the top, the world's top 3 are now playing the par-4 1st. It's a bit of a monster at 504 yards. Scheffler(E) is safely on and will have a decent look at birdie; Schauffele (+2) is also in good shape.

FOX TAKES SOLO LEAD

Only for a moment. Luke Donald rolls in a short one and joins the main from New Zealand at the top on -4.

The marquee group is midway down 18. McIlroy dicing with water again off the tee, finds the center of the green with a beauty (9-iron out of the juicy rough from 165 yards).

It's been a scrap for all three players so far, but I'm expecting them to respond on the front nine and make a move.

SHIP STEADIED

After all making double at the par-4 16th, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler (who I will now refer to as 'RXS') steady the ship with 3s at the par-3 17th.

The 18th is regarded as the toughest hole on the course, a fraction under 500 yards (par 4) and playing longer today. All three players will feel as though if they can get through this hole with no further damage, it will give themselves a chance to make inroads on the front nine.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON... CAPTAIN VERSUS CAPTAIN

What a great story it would be if both Donald and Bradley found themselves in contention on Sunday afternoon.

No thoughts of the Ryder Cup - former World No.1 Donald in the hunt for a first Major Championship and Bradley looking to lift the Wanamaker Trophy for a second time.

THE LEADERS

Let's take a moment to bring you up to speed with what's happening elsewhere on the course. We have nine players sharing the lead and, to be honest, I don't have time to list them all (see leaderboard above).

One of the stories of the morning so far is that we have Ryder Cup captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley both in the mix at -3.

THE DAMAGE

Schauffele, in fairness, had a mud ball. It went left on him and into the drink. Everyone is looking at double here. Expect a fair bit of chatter about mud balls later on today.

Three lengthy putts for bogeys for these three absolute hackers. Scheffler ends up with 10 feet left for a double - this is really, really messy stuff on the 'Green Mile'. I imagine there will be some players waiting on the tee now, as this is all taking quite a bit of time.

McIlroy almost drops his bogey putt, but it stays above ground. He's now back to +1. Scheffler makes his six with a good, confident putt - that's eagle, double for the World No.1 and he's back to level par.

Schauffele's putt just grabs enough of the hole and that's three doubles for the world's top three golfers.

Right, onto the 17th.

WOW... TOP 3 STRUGGLING

The par-4 16th is tough, but the world's top three are playing the hole like a group of 28-handicappers (no offense to 28-handicappers).

Rory is greenside in three after almost finding the water off the tee and just about managing to hack his second 10 yards further.

Scheffler and Schauffele have played two of their worst iron shots of the year - both wet (I think, Schauffele definitely).

A report of the damage will follow shortly.

STRIPE SHOW

We gave the nod to Tommy Fleetwood's striped polo earlier. How about Jason Day's? The Aussie always has people talking about his clobber. Who's stripes do we prefer?

GO CAPTAINS

Not to be outdone, Keegan Bradley gets himself alongside Luke Donald at -3. The Ryder Cup captains are rolling back the years.

I genuinely don't know what would/could happen if they were to win this week. It's unlikely, certainly in Donald's case, but stranger things have happened. Playing captains?

Meanwhile, Scheffler holes a long putt for eagle at the par-5 15th to get to -2. Of course he does. McIlroy to -1 with a four. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance over their opening holes but Scheffler has certainly played a few bad ones, too. Suddenly, though, he's a -2, a shot off the lead.

Bubbling nicely, this one.

BIG BREAK!

McIlroy looked for all the world like he was wet off the tee, but he finds his ball above ground and he's now facing a simple up-and-down for birdie. He's just alongside Scheffler in the dip in front of the 15th green.

Both players could do with making 4s to settle. You need a bit of luck, of course, and the Northern Irishman knows he's had some there. The ball musxt have taken a soft bounce - it was a just a few feet from toppling into the water. Can he take advantage of that good fortune?

TIME FOR AN ENGLISH WINNER?

It's early days but could we finally see an Englishman win the PGA Championship? No English player has won the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes (below) claimed victory at the first two tournaments in 1916 and 1919.

There are currently three English players in the top three (Tommy Fleetwood, Luke Donald and Matt Fitzpatrick).

MISSED CHANCES

Both McIlroy and Scheffler miss very good opportunities at the drivable par-4 14th. They'll have been eyeing birdies after those tee shots. The 'big 3' play that hole in +1 and it's onto the par-5 15th.

TOUCH OF CLASS

The touch of a now five-time Major winner. McIlroy chipping towards the water releases his chip down the slope to set up a birdie on 14, which he should convert to get to -1.

Scheffler a bit tentative and leaves his effort 12 feet short. Schauffele wedges his third 15 feet past the pin after a penalty for finding water with his tee shot.

What a great hole this is by the way - risk/reward at its finest. If you were being boring, you could put an iron in Position A and wedge it close, but these guys are in full out attack mode.

JOINT LEADER

Here's your joint leader. Fleetwood has nailed it with this stripy little number from Nike. Three birdies on the bounce and the Englishman is at -3 alongside Ryan Fox.

RISK AND REWARD

Onto the 14th and it's just 311 yards - a cracking little par 4. We saw Mickelson go swimming earlier, and Schauffele has done the same - this time overdoing a little draw with a 3-wood.

McIlroy leaves himself in a tricky spot near the entrance to the green. Nothing wrong with the tee shot, just needed a kick left off the slope. Scheffler in the best position of the three.

Fleetwood continues his good start with a third birdie in three holes (13, 14 and 15).

SCOTTIE STRUGGLING... SORT OF

We've seen a bit of everything from Scottie Scheffler so far in the early part of this first round. He's pitching in with his second shot on the par-3 13th (something most club golfers do), and does it nicely enough. He has some work to do to make his par. He somehow manages it, curling in a 10-footer for make his 3.

Meanwhile, Schauffele and McIlroy make their par 3s in the more conventional, no stressing there. This group now moves onto the driveable par 4.

TOMMY STARTS WELL

Fleetwood has made a solid start as he goes in search of his first Major title - it's all that's really missing from his CV.

The Englishman (-2) has finished runner-up twice in the Majors and clearly has all the attributes to land one of the 'big 4'.

We've got a Tommy feature coming up in the magazine, which goes to press next week. Nothing would give us more pleasure than giving it a major edit on Sunday evening.

TIDY... VERY TIDY

McIlroy with a really delicate touch, tidies up on 12, as does Schauffele. Scheffler, though, with the tidiest chip of the lot... pops it in from the back of the green. Back to level par for the World No.1 and that was class. World class. Might have been going past a few feet but, still, very good.

SPLASH!

Phil Mickelson with an early water ball. That is not one of his best drives. Wild. Splash. Lefty looks a bit bemused. He must have known that was going to end up wet the moment it left the clubface.

Back to the marquee group. Scheffler goes at the pin on the 12th and it bounces past the pin and into a semi awkward spot on the fringe. Wow, that looked good - these greens are firm. There's a little shelf on 12 that McIlroy has also misjudged and he spins back into a really tricky spot.

Schauffele, last to play, takes one bounce and goes over the green. Not the best second shots from these three but the 12th looks to be one of the toughest holes so far.

BOGEYS FOR WORLD'S NO.1 & 2

McIlroy hands the shot he picked up on the 10th back straight away at the 11th. It's a sloppy one, too, three putts from around 25 feet. Scheffler also misses his par effort. A long, long way to go, still settling.

Onto the par-4 12th for this group, 456 yards. Back on the 8th, the now silver-haired Luke Donald gets to -2, converting a short birdie putt. Quite a few players already in the red. There's not much roll on the fairways so it's going to play long today and the greens are still fairly firm (that'll be the sub air system for you). Good scoring conditions - just don't stray into the trees.

HERE'S YOUR LEADER

Enough with all the chat about the world's top three. Here's your leader, Ryan Fox. Birdies at the 10th, 13th and 14th so far and he's now playing the par-5 15th. Great start and could be about to get even better.

Scheffler, meanwhile, has made a jumpy start. After a poor drive on 11 and an average third shot from the front of the green, he has some 12 feet left for par.

RORY BIRDIES HIS FIRST

You can't get bored of watching Rory McIlroy drive the golf ball. He's off to a solid start with a birdie on the 10th. The same can't be said of Scheffler who has put in a double cross at the 11th.

BIRDIES FLOWING

Rahm drops a long putt at the 11th (his second). It feels like it's important for the Spaniard to make a good start this week. That'll help his confidence.

Back to the 10th, a 591-yard par 5. It's a par for the World No.1 and birdies for Schauffele and McIlroy. Schauffele played the hole perfectly, his chip for a eagle from a tight lie scaring the hole. McIlroy rolls in a nice putt from about 10 feet after a good pitch from the greenside rough.

FOX TO -3

'Flying Fox'. Not the first time you'll hear that today, so we'll get that in early. The Kiwi is out of the blocks quickly.

Back to the marquee group and we have the top three in the world all taking aim at the par-5 10th with their second shots. We're about to see some short game magic from all three.

McIlroy in an awkward spot but it would be no surprise to see all three start with birdies.

MARQUEE GROUP OFF

Rory is off first. Not his best, finds the rough. Xander is Ok. Scheffler, wearing that orange polo, (nice) with the best of the lot.

We're in for a special few hours with this lot. Ram is out, too, and he pars the 10th hole (his first).

Ryan Fox leads the way early at -2.

SHOWTIME!

Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are moments away from getting underway.

No introductions needed. I'm predicting three long, straight drives. Stay tuned...

PAST CHAMPS OUT EARLY

Great to see two former PGA champions out and about early at Quail Hollow - Padraig Harrington (2008) and Martin Kaymer (2010).

Harrington enjoyed a purple patch winning the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills and two Open Championships in fairly quick time. Kaymer a winner, of course, at Whistling Straits in 2010 when he edged out Bubba Watson in a playoff.

WHO'S YOUR MONEY ON?

Despite being the reigning Masters champion and having a record at Quail Hollow most players could only dream of, Rory McIlroy is not the bookmakers' favorite this week. Scottie Scheffler, the World No.1 and a recent winner at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, is back.

While many of his rivals warmed up for the second men's Major of the year with a Signature Event, the 28-year-old took time at home to practice before making a run at his third Major title.

THE GREEN MILE

We're only just underway in the first round. However, here's a reminder of what the players face towards the end of their round.

The Green Mile is the name given to the final three holes at Quail Hollow, which represent one of the toughest finishing stretches in Major championship history and regularly the toughest on the PGA Tour.

Measuring in at around 1,270 yards for the par-4, par-3, par-4 combination, carnage usually ensues as players try and cling on to their score during a white knuckle ride to the finish.

HERE'S WHAT THEY'RE PLAYING FOR

It must be said, the Wanamaker Trophy (currently near the 1st tee) has to be one of the best-looking pieces of silverware in golf. Who really wants a jacket? Ok, that green one might be pretty cool, but you can't beat a massive trophy!

The original Wanamaker Trophy stands at 28 inches (2.5 feet/75cm) high, 10-and-a-half inches in diameter, 27 inches from handle to handle, and weighs 27 pounds (12kg). Look at it, magnificent!

EARLY PICTURES FROM QUAIL HOLLOW

I have to say, it looks delightful. My guess is that we're going to see some low numbers today - looks soft and 'getable'.

Here's Luuuuuuuuuke making his way towards the 1st tee. He's got a very busy year ahead of him, of course, and will be no stranger to an early morning. Perhaps this is why they put the former World No.1 golfer off first.

Incidentally, did you know that there hasn't been an English winner of the PGA Championship since 1919?

WE'RE OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY

Right, we're off. Enjoy! It's an early one for these chaps but Ryan Fox is off and he's made birdie at 1...

Great to see European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald get us off. I'm sure there will be quite a bit going on inside his head this week; he'll be hoping to see some European names up there contending on Sunday afternoon.

WHEN'S BRYSON OUT?

Bryson DeChambeau is out at 1.47pm ET with Viktor Hovland and Gary Woodland. The PGA opted not to put him with Rory, but I think we'd all like to see these two players in the same group on Saturday/Sunday.

I think this is a genuine rivalry now. You can't force these things as a lot of the players on tour are just good friends. I'm not saying there's not respect there, but they are two very different characters.

PGA WEATHER UPDATE

I'm no meteorologist but I've had a good look at the weather and I'd describe it as 'mixed but Ok'ish'.

A dry and warm start is expected before unsettled conditions on Saturday. The first two rounds look like playing out in fine conditions, with the biggest concern being the humidity as temperatures approach 90F on Friday.

However, Saturday is likely to bring more unsettled weather, with the potential for thunderstorms, the chance of downpours leading to flooding and strong gusts of wind. It won't be quite as humid on Sunday, although it will remain warm with clouds and sun.

Summary...

Thursday: Partly sunny and humid; Low: 68F; High: 87F; Winds: SW 8 mph
Friday: Very warm and humid with some sunshine; Low: 71F; High: 89F; Winds: WSW 7 mph
Saturday: Partly sunny and humid with breezes in the morning and potential thunderstorms, wind and downpours in the afternoon; Low: 66F; High: 87F; Winds: WSW 12 mph
Sunday: Warm and less humid with clouds and sun; Low: 64F; High: 87F; Winds: W 7 mph

MARQUEE GROUP OFF AT 08.22AM ET

The world's top three players will play the first 36 holes together in the all-star grouping on Thursday and Friday, going off at 8.22am ET in round one and 1.47pm ET on day two.

All three have plenty of reasons to like their chances this week, especially Scottie Scheffler who won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson recently and Rory McIlroy, of course, who won the Masters last month to complete the career Grand Slam.

Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele is kind of flying under the radar recently, perhaps due to the injury he had been suffering with earlier in the season.

WELCOME TO THE LIVE BLOG

Welcome to the second men's Major Championship of the year and the first day of the PGA Championship. We'll have you covered here with all the action and updates from Quail Hollow right the way through until the champion lifts the Wanamaker trophy on Sunday afternoon (weather permitting).

So, who will that be?