Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox faced a challenging start at the US PGA Championship, trailing by 10 shots after shooting a 72 in the opening round. The current leader, Xander Schauffele, set a tournament scoring record with a remarkable nine-under-par course record 62.
Fox, who began well with pars and a birdie on the front nine, encountered difficulties with back-to-back bogeys and a double-bogey on holes 11-13. Meanwhile, New Zealand rookie Kazuma Kobori started later in the day and is currently two-over-par, placing him 11 shots behind the leaders.
Schauffele’s exceptional performance this morning marked another milestone in his career, as he equaled the lowest round at a major championship. The American golfer now holds the distinction of being the only player in golf history with multiple rounds of 62 in majors.
Following his impressive round, Schauffele expressed his satisfaction, stating, ‘I’d say it’s very close to my best, if not it. I’ll take a 62 in any major any day.’
Despite his early success, Schauffele remains focused on the competition, with notable performers like Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Brooks Koepka in contention. The rain-softened conditions at Valhalla provided an advantage for Schauffele, who capitalized on the favorable playing conditions to secure his place in the record books.
With his outstanding performance, Schauffele’s lead at the PGA Championship highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and sets the stage for an exciting continuation of play in the coming rounds.
