PGA Championship Leaderboard 2015: Updating Results and Standings for Thursday
On Thursday, Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, takes the sporting world by storm as Jordan Spieth and the PGA Tour take on the season's final major, the PGA Championship.
Even the final major's first round has a bit of something for everyone. Tiger Woods will attempt to regain momentum. Phil Mickelson's in play. Spieth's shot at a season Grand Slam disappeared, but his shot at making history didn't. Rory McIlroy will make his return from injury.
It goes on and on, which is what happens when a sport rests in a competitive era with a game older generation and a new one kicking in the door with the heel of a boot.
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Here's a look at Thursday's leaderboard, which will update as the players complete each hole:
Much of the attention will go to Spieth, as it should. He took care of business at the Masters and U.S. Open then didn't falter much with a tie for fourth at The Open Championship. In doing so, he displayed an uncanny cool under pressure one year removed from faltering in similar situations.
As such, Spieth is the world's top golfer and touts jarring statistics to back up his wins, chief among them ranking first in birdie average and scoring average, per PGATour.com.
His emergence creates one of the most interesting rivalries the sport has seen in years.
The globe hasn't seen McIlroy since the U.S. Open in June, but he sounds both excited for a big-stage return and confident, per Karen Crouse of the New York Times.
"I knew I wasn't going to have a low-key return to the game, and this definitely isn't," McIlroy said. "I expect to play well. I don't see any reason why I can't bring the sort of form that I've shown in practice rounds and on the range to the tee on Thursday afternoon."
There's little reason to doubt McIlroy in his return. Consistency may be an issue, as might rust, but keep in mind he's the guy who has won this tournament two out of the past three years.
While on the topic of big names, one can't help but look at Woods.
He just tied for 18th at the Quicken Loans National, but he's missed the cut at the last two majors. As such, he's set the bar low, citing this tournament as a way to gain momentum, not contend, per Ron Borges of the Boston Herald.
"But I'm here now in this position, and as far as my tournament future, if I play well, I play well, and I'll play in more events," Woods said.
The intriguing Thursday names don't end there. Keegan Bradley is a former champion at this event. Martin Kaymer took home the title at the event the last time it was at Whistling Straits in 2010.
How about a recent champion not named Spieth? Try Zach Johnson, who won it all at The Open Championship. Considering he touts the momentum and ranks fourth in driving accuracy and ninth in scoring average, it's no longer wise to count Johnson out.
Keep in mind others as well. Second to Kaymer in 2010? One Bubba Watson. Adam Scott has two top-10 major finishes under his belt as of late. Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler are the duo everyone expects to break through sooner or later.
As the above showcases, Thursday is high time for fans to sit back and enjoy the show. The talent on display looks unprecedented and the course challenging. In other words, Round 1 is just the beginning of something special, quite fitting for the season's final major.
Stats and info courtesy of PGATour.com unless otherwise specified.
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