The 2026 US PGA Championship kicked off with a thrilling twist as the formidable Aronimink course lived up to its reputation, challenging even the world's best golfers. The opening day saw only 32 players, a mere fifth of the 156-strong field, finish under par, highlighting the course's unforgiving nature. Among the leaders, Scottie Scheffler stood out, showcasing his relentless diligence and composure. Despite his history of struggling with fast starts, Scheffler led the pack after an impressive 67, tying him with seven others at the top. This performance marks a significant milestone in his career, as he now leads a major after just 18 holes.
What makes this even more intriguing is the diverse group of contenders. Scheffler shares the lead with a mix of established stars and surprise packages. The German duo of Martin Kaymer and Stephan Jaeger, South Africa's Aldrich Potgieter, Australia's Min-Woo Lee, Japan's Ryo Hisatsune, and Alex Smalley from the United States are all in the running. This unexpected lineup adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
The course's design, with its undulating terrain, thick rough, and tricky greens, has caught many off guard. Masters champion Rory McIlroy, known for his aggressive approach, struggled with erratic tee shots and ended up seven shots behind the leaders. Bryson DeChambeau, another power-focused player, faced challenges with his short game, highlighting the importance of precision over brute force.
The putting surfaces, softened by overnight rain, played a crucial role in the early starters' fortunes. Patrick Reed, one of the few to navigate the course without a single bogey, attributed the difficulty to the players' underestimation of the course's challenges. This sentiment was echoed by Paul McGinley, who noted the rarity of putts going in.
The story of Martin Kaymer's resurgence at Aronimink is particularly captivating. After a period of injuries and poor form, the 2010 US PGA winner found motivation in a simple question from a PGA of America member. This renewed drive has led to a fast start at the tournament, with two birdies in his opening holes, and he's confident about his pain-free performance.
As the tournament progresses, the challenge of Aronimink continues to unfold, leaving spectators eager to see who will emerge victorious. The mix of established stars and surprise contenders promises an exciting conclusion to this year's US PGA Championship.
