World number one Scottie Scheffler overcame a turbulent start to secure a share of the lead alongside six other players following the opening round of the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Despite enduring high winds that challenged the field, Scheffler’s resilience placed him at the forefront of a crowded leaderboard as the tournament shifts into its second day of play.

The 2026 PGA Championship commenced with high drama at Aronimink, where Chris Gotterup posted the lowest score of the day to set an early benchmark. Scottie Scheffler, despite facing a difficult start in the wind-swept conditions, managed to rally and join a seven-way tie for the lead. The opening round proved to be a test of endurance and precision, as gusty conditions frequently disrupted club selection and ball flight across the historic course. While Scheffler and Gotterup found success, other marquee names faced significant hurdles; Rory McIlroy struggled early in his round, failing to find the rhythm necessary to keep pace with the leaders.

Emerging talent also made a mark during the first 18 holes. Alex Smalley, a Duke University graduate, garnered significant attention by making early noise on the leaderboard, positioning himself as a formidable contender among the seasoned professionals. As the field transitioned into the second round on Friday, the focus shifted toward the projected cut line and the evolving course conditions, with CBS Sports and Golf Channel providing extensive live coverage and streaming options for a global audience.

The tournament was not without its share of technical and disciplinary controversies. Justin Thomas voiced his frustration after his group was placed on the clock for pace-of-play concerns, questioning the officials' timing of the decision. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau expressed total confusion regarding rules interpretations following a disastrous start that hampered his opening scorecard. The most definitive ruling of the day involved Garrick Higgo, who received a penalty for arriving late to his designated tee time, a rare occurrence that underscored the strict adherence to protocol at the season's second major.

Beyond the ropes, the atmosphere at Aronimink took on a unique character as local residents found creative ways to witness the action. With the tournament held in a residential vicinity, neighbors utilized backyard ladders and constructed "sky decks" on their properties to create improvised, free seating for the event. This grassroots viewing experience added a distinct local flair to the professional proceedings, even as security and tournament officials managed the massive galleries within the club grounds.

As Round 2 begins, the leaderboard remains tightly packed, with players such as Scheffler looking to distance themselves from the field. Tournament officials have released the complete schedule and groupings for Friday, with several high-profile pairings expected to draw significant broadcast interest. With the wind projected to remain a factor, the ability to navigate Aronimink’s defensive layout will likely determine which players survive the cut and move into the championship weekend.