Xander Schauffele made history by breaking the Valhalla course record with an incredible nine-under-par 62 at the PGA Championship.
The American birdied his second hole and didn’t look back as he threatened to leave rivals for the title Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre and Tony Finau in his wake.
He was five-under-par at the turn and continued to shine on the back nine, registering a card of nine-under par round of 62, one better than the course record set by Jose Maria Olazabal at the 2000 PGA Championship.
As he headed to the clubhouse, Schauffele held a four-shot lead at the top of the standings with McIlroy five-under after 17.
Schauffele also became the first player to shoot 62 in a major since he himself managed to do so at last year’s US Open.
“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?
“I’m very happy with the way I played but I can’t really think much more about it, just got to go and tee it up again tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, only three players have ever shot 62 at a major championship with South African Branden Grace becoming the first to do it at the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
Rickie Fowler became the second man to do it at last year’s US Open at LACC, before Schauffele matched him just minutes later, on June 15 last year.
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News Summary:
- Xander Schauffele breaks record and matches lowest ever round at a major championship as Rory McIlroy makes strong start
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