The first and second round pairings have been announced for the PGA Championship. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler of the United States will go head-to-head with some of the hottest players this season over the first two days at the year’s second major.
Looking to defend his title for a second consecutive year, Scheffler has been grouped with Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose, both of England, for the opening rounds. The trio will tee off at 3:05 a.m. (Korean time) on May 15 from the first hole at Aronimink Golf Club (par 70) in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer (AP-Yonhap)
Fitzpatrick is on an impressive run, having won three PGA Tour events this season. Notably, he defeated Scheffler in a playoff at the RBC Heritage last month to claim the trophy. Rose, the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist, secured his 13th PGA Tour victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in January.
Matt Fitzpatrick (Getty Images/AFP-Yonhap)
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland will face Spain’s Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth of the United States, starting at 9:40 p.m. on May 14 from the 10th hole. McIlroy is chasing back-to-back major titles after winning the Masters last month.
Rahm, who won the 2023 Masters and previously held the world No. 1 ranking with 11 PGA Tour wins, has fallen to 20th in the world since moving to LIV Golf in 2024. McIlroy has publicly criticized Rahm’s move, creating tension between the two.
Rory McIlroy (right) and Jon Rahm at the 2024 Masters (AP-Yonhap, file photo)
South Korean golfers Kim Si-woo and Im Sung-jae will also compete. Kim begins his first round at 9:07 p.m. on May 14 from the 10th hole, while Im starts at 1:32 a.m. on May 15 from the 10th hole.