The opening round of the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow has been characterized by challenging conditions and player frustrations, leading to a subdued atmosphere that contrasts with the typical excitement of a major tournament.

Course Conditions and Controversy

Despite improved weather on Thursday, the course remained saturated from approximately five inches of rain over the preceding ten days. The PGA of America decided against implementing the “lift, clean, and place” rule, which would have allowed players to clean their golf balls on the fairway. This decision led to numerous instances of “mud balls,” where mud adhering to the ball affected its flight and control. Top players, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Xander Schauffele, expressed their dissatisfaction, noting that even well-struck shots were unpredictably affected. Schauffele described the situation as “kind of stupid,” highlighting the challenges posed by the conditions .

Impact on Player Performances

The difficult conditions contributed to unexpected outcomes. Rory McIlroy, fresh off a Masters victory, struggled with his driving accuracy, hitting only three of 14 fairways and finishing with a three-over-par 74 . In contrast, veteran Luke Donald delivered a bogey-free 67, marking his best major performance in over a decade .#

Unpredictable Leaderboard

The leaderboard after the first round featured several under-the-radar players. Jhonattan Vegas led with a five-under 66, followed closely by PGA Tour rookie Ryan Gerard and Australia’s Cam Davis. Notably, none of the top 10 players in the world rankings were among the top 10 scores after the opening round, a rarity in major championships .

Looking Ahead

With the course conditions and player sentiments setting a challenging tone, the tournament’s progression remains uncertain. As the championship continues, players and fans alike will be watching to see how the field adapts and whether the event regains its typical major championship atmospher