Scottie Scheffler carded a 3-under 67 to join six others atop the leaderboard after the opening round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink. The world's top-ranked player made two long birdie putts and benefited from a fortunate ruling on the 17th hole. Seven players sharing the lead marks the largest opening-round tie since nine players were tied in 1969.

The crowded leaderboard surprised many given Aronimink's challenging conditions with severe greens and strong winds. Former PGA champion Martin Kaymer emerged as the biggest shock among the leaders, ranked 1,160th in the world after joining LIV Golf in 2022. Rory McIlroy stumbled with a 74, while Patrick Reed posted the day's cleanest round with a bogey-free 68.

Scheffler's opening round represented his best start this year outside his American Express victory. The performance puts him alongside Tiger Woods (2000) and Brooks Koepka (2019) as defending PGA champions leading after round one. With 48 players within three shots of the lead, the tournament remains wide open heading into Friday's second round.