Top golfers struggle in the mud at PGA Championship 2025

In Charlotte, North Carolina, during the first round of the PGA Championship on May 15, 2025, the world's top three golfers faced unexpected challenges on the 16th hole at Quail Hollow. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele both found themselves contending with mud on their golf balls after strong rains. Their approach shots from the fairway ended up in the water, resulting in double bogeys. Rory McIlroy, who was already struggling, slipped while making his shot from a difficult stance and also carded a double bogey. All three players ended the hole feeling dejected and frustrated. The grouping of these top-ranked players in a major tournament had not occurred since 2022, creating excitement among fans and spectators. However, the conditions on the course significantly impacted their performance. Scottie Scheffler, despite experiencing mud balls, earlier managed to achieve an eagle and a birdie. McIlroy, on the other hand, faced a challenging day, hitting only four fairways and frequently facing difficult lies. His double bogey on the 16th further added to his frustrations throughout the round. The rain-soaked course presented additional complexities, as the mud was affecting more than just their drives. Both Scheffler and Schauffele were vocal about the difficulties of playing with mud on their balls, noting that it hindered their ability to control the shots effectively. Meanwhile, McIlroy’s struggles on the 16th were attributed to his challenging position in the deep rough, costing him valuable strokes as he tried to fight for par. As they exited the green, there was clear disappointment among these elite players. Each one had hoped for a better performance on such a pivotal hole, especially considering the pressure associated with playing among the top-ranked in a major championship. Their collective experiences shed light on how external conditions can radically alter the outcomes even for the best golfers in the world, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the sport under challenging weather conditions.