The world's top three players were grouped together, and only one — No. 1 ranked Scottie Scheffler — finished under par. Scheffler survived a pair of bogies and a double to card a 2-under 69. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, had a rough go of it, carding a 3-over 74. Defending champ Xander Schauffele was one better at 2-over.

The PGA Championship did not use the preferred lie rule after the heavy rains of the past few days, and Scottie Scheffler was not very fond of it.

After they finished their first round on Thursday morning, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele both expressed their frustration with playing the ball down this week, and it figures to be a story throughout the championship.