The 2026 PGA Championship got off to a thrilling start Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club, and if Round 1 is any indication, the golf world is in for a spectacular weekend. Scottie Scheffler, the reigning world No. 1 and defending champion, made a powerful statement with a 3-under 67 that earned him a share of the first-round lead.
For Scheffler, this marks a career first: leading after 18 holes in a major championship. In his 27th major start, the Texan showed exactly why he's been the best player on the planet, navigating a cold, windy afternoon in the Philadelphia suburbs with the calm precision that has become his trademark. His round featured five birdies, just two bogeys, and 13 pars—a masterclass in controlled aggression.
"The best start I've gotten off to this year, maybe besides American Express," Scheffler said. "Definitely nice to get off to a better start this week."
He shares the lead with an intriguing group that includes Min Woo Lee, Aldrich Potgieter, Martin Kaymer, Alex Smalley, Stephan Jaeger, and Ryo Hisatsune. But make no mistake: this championship runs through Scheffler. He's joined by an eclectic cast at the top, but his recent form—including a five-stroke victory at the 2025 PGA Championship—sends a clear message to the other 155 players in the field.
History offers some perspective. In four of the last nine PGA Championships, the eventual winner wasn't even in the top 30 after Round 1, and only three of the last 20 champions led outright or shared the lead on Thursday. Scheffler himself was tied for 20th after the first round in 2025 before storming to victory. But this time feels different. He's not chasing—he's setting the pace.
Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth provided a spark of his own, raising hopes with a solid opening round that keeps him within striking distance. For fans who love golf apparel and gear, this tournament is shaping up to be a classic—and the leaders are already showing us what championship form looks like.
As the sun set over Aronimink, one thing became crystal clear: the 108th PGA Championship is Scheffler's to lose, and he's playing like he has no intention of doing so.