Xander Schaufelle matches record for three-shot lead at Valhalla

Xander Schauffele took a record-equalling three-shot lead into the second round of the US PGA Championship after again writing his name into the history books at Valhalla.

For the second time in 11 months, Schauffele matched the lowest score in men’s major championship history, the Olympic champion recording nine birdies in a flawless 62 to match the mark set by Branden Grace in the 2017 Open.

Grace’s feat was equalled by Rickie Fowler and Schauffele himself in the opening round of last year’s US Open, although neither man went on to lift the title at Los Angeles Country Club.

Xander out in front after Round One.@ROLEX | #Rolex pic.twitter.com/65uQNddV0X

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2024

“It feels great,” Schauffele said. “It’s just day one, but if someone had said I was going to shoot nine under, I would certainly have taken it.

“I’ve been playing some really good golf, having a lot of close calls, so me and my team say why not keep chugging along?”

Despite such a low score, Schauffele was only three shots clear of compatriots Tony Finau and Sahith Theegala, with Rory McIlroy and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre part of a five-strong group on five under.

World number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Brooks Koepka both shot 67, while Jon Rahm fought back from four over par after six holes to return a 70.

Only three players have held a three-shot lead after the opening round of the US PGA, Dick Hart (1963), Bobby Nichols (1964) and Raymond Floyd (1982). Hart was the only one not to go on and lift the Wanamaker Trophy.

“When you’re playing with one of the easiest nine unders you’ve ever seen, it makes you feel like you’re shooting a million” – Justin Thomas after carding an opening 69 and losing by