The PGA Championship is always a premier event on the golf calendar, where the world’s best golfers gather to create unforgettable moments. The 2025 tournament at Quail Hollow has already lived up to the hype, with Venezuelan golfer Jhonattan Vegas grabbing the spotlight after a stunning opening round.

Jhonattan Vegas Takes Early Command at the PGA

Jhonattan Vegas delivered a sensational performance to seize the first-round lead at the 2025 PGA Championship. Finishing with a 7-under-par 64, Vegas played exceptional golf, particularly across his final six holes, where he notched five birdies. This round not only marked his best score at a major but also put him two shots ahead of the field, showcasing why the PGA can be so unpredictable (source).

Vegas, at age 40, utilized his experience and composure. He ended his day with three consecutive birdies—a demonstration of skill and focus in high-pressure PGA conditions. This is the first time any Venezuelan golfer has held a solo lead after a round at a major. His achievement adds both excitement and a historical note to this year’s event (live updates).

Leaderboard Surprises and PGA Highlights

While fans may have hoped to see big names dominate, Quail Hollow's first day was about surprise contenders. Major stars like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler struggled, with McIlroy posting a 3-over 74 and Scheffler battling for a 2-under 69. Defending PGA champion Xander Schauffele finished his round at 1 over. These scores illustrate how even PGA legends can falter under tough conditions.

Other lesser-known leaders emerged, with Ryan Gerard and Cam Davis tying for second at 5-under. These results prove why the PGA is famous for its unpredictable leaderboard shakeups. In fact, history shows the PGA Championship has more winners coming from outside the top 20 after round one than any other major.

Key Stats from 2025 PGA Day One

Day one of the PGA Championship also brought us several fascinating statistics:

• 45 players finished under par in the first round, making for a competitive leaderboard.
• The field’s average score was 72.757 on Quail Hollow’s par-71 layout.
• Vegas’ stellar back-nine included five birdies in his last six holes.
• Luke Donald, Europe's Ryder Cup captain, carded a bogey-free 67—his best in the U.S. since 2023 (full stats and analysis).
• The infamous "Green Mile" (holes 16-18) remained as challenging as ever, with a combined plus-171 score to par.

Special mention goes to the PGA Tour rookie Ryan Gerard for joining the leaders and to the club professionals competing, although none finished day one under par.

What’s Next in the PGA Championship?

The action is just beginning. Vegas will aim to maintain his lead in round two, with tee times set early for all leaders. Fans should watch for top-ranked players making a comeback, as dramatic Sunday finishes are a tradition in PGA history. With so many underdogs in contention, the stage is set for more surprises and memorable moments.

For the most in-depth PGA coverage and the latest updates throughout the tournament, follow ESPN’s PGA reporting, The Athletic’s live blog, and Sports Illustrated’s analysis.

Conclusion

The PGA Championship 2025 has already delivered its share of drama, stunning scores, and records. Jhonattan Vegas’s opening-round lead is a testament to perseverance and preparation. As the competition heats up, golf fans are in for a thrilling ride. Don’t miss the upcoming rounds, and stay connected to all things PGA for the best stories and up-to-the-minute breakdowns.