Xander Schauffele delivered a stunning performance in the first round of the PGA Championship on Thursday, setting new records and positioning himself as a top contender for the title. The world No. 3 golfer shot a 62 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, tying the record for the best single-round score ever at a major tournament. Schauffele is now the first player to achieve a single-round 62 twice in major events, having previously done so at the U.S. Open in 2023.
Dominating the Leaderboard
Schauffele’s bogey-free round placed him at the top of the PGA Championship leaderboard, sitting at 9-under par through the first 18 holes. His remarkable performance has significantly boosted his odds of winning his first major title.
“Up there, I’d say,” Schauffele told ESPN’s Marty Smith when asked where his round ranks all time. “Again, it’s just one day. I’m very happy with how I played, very content with the shots I rolled. Can’t really think much more of it. I’ve gotta go tee up again tomorrow.”
Record-Breaking Achievements
Valhalla Course Record:
Schauffele set a new course record at Valhalla Golf Club with his 62, surpassing the previous record of 63 set by Jose Maria Olazabal in 2000. His performance also bested the prior first-round record at Valhalla, a 65 achieved by Ryan Palmer, Lee Westwood, and Kevin Chappell in 2014.
PGA Championship Single-Round Record:
Schauffele’s 62 also broke the PGA Championship single-round record, previously held by 18 different golfers who shot 63.
Major Championship Single-Round Record:
Schauffele joins an elite group of golfers who have shot 62 at a major tournament, including Brendan Grace (2017 British Open), Rickie Fowler (2023 U.S. Open), and himself (2023 U.S. Open). He is the only player to have done it twice.
Looking Ahead
Schauffele’s exceptional round has set the stage for an exciting tournament as he seeks his first major victory. With his confident start, all eyes will be on him as he continues to navigate the challenges of Valhalla Golf Club.
Stay tuned for more updates on Xander Schauffele’s journey at the 2024 PGA Championship as he aims to solidify his place in golf history.
