In a stunning display of resilience and precision, Chris Gotterup fired a 5-under 65 at the PGA Championship on Friday—the low round of the day—earning high praise from none other than world No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
Playing through biting cold and swirling winds at Aronimink Golf Club, Gotterup stormed home with three consecutive birdies to close out his round. The performance was so impressive that even Scheffler, who posted a 71, tipped his cap. "I didn't see it live, but I saw the result," Scheffler said. "That's a heck of a round—six shots better than mine today."
Gotterup, a New Jersey native who grew up just 90 minutes from the course, admitted the conditions were anything but easy. "Even though I played pretty well, it never felt comfortable out there," he said. The 28-year-old started his second round on the back nine and turned in a bogey-free 65 that was two strokes better than any other morning wave score.
The round is the latest highlight in a breakout season for Gotterup, who already has two Tour wins in 2025. He ranked first in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and second in Strokes Gained: Approach for the day—a potent formula for success. Interestingly, this marks the fourth time in his career he's posted the low round of the day, and he went on to win the last two tournaments where he accomplished the feat (the Genesis Scottish Open and WM Phoenix Open).
With his parents, girlfriend, and a group of friends cheering him on, Gotterup is embracing the sweater weather and the comfort of sleeping in his own bed this week. After opening with a 72 in Thursday's blustery conditions, his 65 vaulted him into contention at the 108th PGA Championship. As he put it, "You play practice rounds and every pin is in the middle. Then tournament week arrives, and it's a whole different challenge."
For golf fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, rounds like this remind us that performance under pressure is what separates the great from the extraordinary—and Gotterup is proving he belongs with the best.