The opening round of the 2026 US PGA Championship at Aronimink, Pennsylvania, delivered plenty of drama and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
Rory McIlroy got off to a solid start, showcasing his trademark composure on a challenging course that demands precision off the tee and a sharp short game. The Northern Irishman, a four-time major winner, carded a steady round that keeps him firmly in contention as he chases his fifth major title.
Meanwhile, England's Dan Brown emerged as one of the early surprises of the day. The relatively unheralded golfer made a strong start, turning heads with a composed performance that suggests he could be a dark horse as the tournament progresses. Brown's round was highlighted by crisp iron play and clutch putting, qualities that will serve him well in the rounds to come.
The morning wave featured a star-studded group of early starters, including major champions Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, alongside world-class talents Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Each navigated the tricky Aronimink layout, which is known for its tree-lined fairways and undulating greens that test even the best in the game.
Among the notable afternoon tee times, fans will be watching closely when Scotland's Robert MacIntyre pairs up with England's Tommy Fleetwood at 18:43 BST. Later, world number one Scottie Scheffler tees off alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose at 19:05 BST—a group packed with major-winning pedigree and Olympic gold medal credentials.
In a quirky early tournament note, South Africa's Garrick Higgo was assessed a two-stroke penalty for arriving late to his tee time. It's a costly mistake in a major championship where every shot counts, and it serves as a reminder of the strict discipline required at this level of competition.
As the first round unfolds, the leaderboard is already taking shape, and with big names lurking just off the pace, fans can expect plenty of drama as the US PGA Championship continues. Whether you're tracking McIlroy's steady hand or rooting for an underdog like Brown, one thing is certain—this major is wide open.