Early observations from Round 1 of the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits
By JOHN DORN
They're underway at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin for the PGA's final major of the season -- the PGA Championship. After Jordan Speith came away with the first two major victories at the Master and U.S. Open, Zach Johnson posted an epic comeback to grab the British Open title last month.
Looking forward to the final three rounds this weekend, here are our observations from early first-round action.
Dustin Johnson is off to another scorching start
He suffered through an epic collapse toward the end of the U.S. Open, and shot a pair of 75s in the final two rounds of the British Open to fall out of the running. After a first-round 66, Johnson has continued his streak of solid major openings.
Dustin Johnson’s best score in ’10 at Whistling Straits was a third-round 67, which makes that opening 66 look even better. #PGAChamp
— Rex Hoggard (@RexHoggardGC) August 13, 2015
There's still plenty of work to do -- and Johnson would know more than anyone -- but the 31-year-old seeking his first major title has put himself in another great position.
Hole No. 3 may pose some issues
In the Open Championship, No. 17 was the tournament's nightmare hole. This weekend, we have No. 3.
We've seen three triples or worse at No. 3 today. Rory, Jordan and Zach won't be adding to that total. #PGAChamppic.twitter.com/8Imn921CcC
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 13, 2015
But, predictably, it's where the cream of the crop set itself apart from the pack.
Rory McIlroy is golfing again, and he looks... fine
Playing for the first time since injuring his ankle on Fourth of July weekend, Rory McIlroy is competing. At time of publishing, he's sitting at even par, getting out of a poor, wet lie in the early going. His progress will obviously be worth monitoring, but so far, so good.
Tiger is still struggling
Seeking his first major victory since 2008 -- having missed the cut in four of his nine events this year -- Tiger Woods is off the a bad start. After five bogies, he's sitting at +3 after Round 1 -- but hey, he says he feels great, which is a start.
Tiger: "I hit it great today, but I made absolutely nothing. Probably one of the worst putting rounds I've had in a long time."
— Tiger Tracker (@GCTigerTracker) August 13, 2015
Tiger (75) has only opened with a worse score once in his 18 PGA Championship starts. Shot 77 in first round in Atlanta in 2011.
— Tiger Tracker (@GCTigerTracker) August 13, 2015
The conditions were much more favorable early in the day
Player quotes on the weather told us as much. Here's one from Matt Kuchar, who was lucky enough to get an early tee time.
"It was beautiful conditions. This was definitely the time to take advantage of the golf course." - Kuchar #PGAChamppic.twitter.com/28KAWj2kq0
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) August 13, 2015
And a more recent account.
Wind is thumping, and Rory is tearing down flags. Spieth may get an unsolicited show.
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) August 13, 2015
Winds should be calmer in the later rounds. But Thursday afternoon, the conditions aren't favorable.
See more photos from the tournament:
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