PGA Championship: Golf’s best thought Aronimink would be easy. They were wrong
PGA Championship at Aronimink: Golf's best struggle with unexpected challenges.
Jon Rahm shares his thoughts on Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler after the first day at Aronimink. Both players are top contenders, with McIlroy recently defending his Masters title and Scheffler ranked number one in the world.
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have dominated the golfing world in recent years, and are looking to continue their stunning success at the PGA Championship.
McIlroy only just successfully defended his title at The Masters, while Scheffler’s recent glory includes 2025 wins at The Open Championship and the PGA Championship.
Moreover, the American is currently the number one-ranked player in the world, and is closely followed by the Northern Irishman in second, who has previously climbed to the summit.
Also reaching that position once upon a time was two-time major champion Jon Rahm, who has now shared his verdict on the PGA Tour duo after his first round at Aronimink.
Following his one-under 69 on Thursday at the PGA Championship, Rahm was told how McIlroy often talks about his place in golfing history, while Scheffler never does.
And when asked if he thinks about it and if it’s important to him, Rahm replied: “I think I need to accomplish a lot more to even think about it.
“It makes sense why Rory would think, second on the all-time list of majors in Europe. First one ever to do the Grand Slam.
“It makes sense why he would think about it, right? I would put him as the greatest European to ever play already. When it comes to the grand scheme of things, he’s up there.
“And I can see why he thinks about it, because he can take this within the context, he’s not too far away from being an undoubtedly top 10 player of all time.
“Which I’m sure a lot of people would already put him there, and he still has many, many years to play.
“Thinking that Jack [Nicklaus] won when he was 46 and Phil [Mickelson] winning in his 50s. So at least 10 or 15 years, with how good a shape he’s in, to accomplish a lot.
“Scottie, kudos to him. To accomplish as much as he does and never really change who he is and what he thinks of himself is impressive.
Jon Rahm expressed his admiration for Rory McIlroy's recent performances and competitive spirit.
Scottie Scheffler has had a successful run, including wins at The Open Championship and the PGA Championship in 2025.
Scottie Scheffler is ranked number one in the world, while Rory McIlroy is closely following in second place.
Rory McIlroy successfully defended his title at The Masters, while Scottie Scheffler has won The Open Championship and the PGA Championship.
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“I would credit that to a lot of his success as well. He’s a very down-to-earth person and a fantastic golfer, obviously.”
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
All three golfers have achieved phenomenal success in their careers so far, with McIlroy currently leading the way.
He does, of course, have the advantage of age, but his six major championships and 30 PGA Tour wins speak volumes, along with his various other accomplishments, like at the Ryder Cup.
Scheffler is a four-time major winner with 20 PGA Tour wins to his name, while Rahm boasts figures of two and 11 respectively.
The Spaniard has also won two LIV Golf individual titles since leaving the PGA Tour, but Rahm has harmed his potential legendary status by making that move.
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