Top Players Struggle in Round 1
The 2025 PGA Championship is off to a rocky start as players voice frustration over course conditions at Quail Hollow. Stars like Scottie Scheffler (69), Xander Schauffele (72), and Rory McIlroy (74) underperformed, while lesser-known names like Luke Donald and Alex Smalley surged ahead with rounds of 67.
Locker Room Tensions Revealed
Xander Schauffele confirmed unrest among players, stating, “I wouldn’t want to go in the locker room because I’m sure a lot of guys aren’t super happy.” The main gripe? A fairway that looks pristine but plays unpredictably. Schauffele added, “You’re kind of 50/50 once you hit the fairway.”
Mud Balls & Strategy Concerns
A key issue is the emergence of “mud balls”—shots affected by debris sticking to the ball, expected to worsen as the course dries. Schauffele warned of a “perfect cake zone” that could wreak havoc on shot control, echoing complaints from Jordan Spieth during the Masters.
Course Design Under Fire
Criticism also targets Quail Hollow’s power-focused design. Justin Thomas remarked, “It doesn’t necessarily require a lot of thought or strategy off the tee,” suggesting the course favors long hitters over tacticians. With rain forecasted, this power bias may tilt the competition further.
Will Conditions Decide the Champion?
With strategy taking a backseat to raw distance, the PGA Championship may test players in ways that go beyond skill. As tensions simmer and weather looms, golf fans await to see who will rise through the mud and claim the Wanamaker Trophy.