The PGA gave golf fans around the world a sensational finish on May 19. Truth is, the field played superbly at Valhalla, which left some critics with questions about the challenges of that beautiful course. Was the course too easy? Granted, the major tournaments historically are supposed to be played on the PGA tour’s most difficult courses.
But it is refreshing to see so many players at a major finishing well under par. And on that subject, Xander Schauffele’s 21-under supposedly is a major tournament record, or at least a record for The PGA. That being the case, where does this leave Bryson DeChambeau, who played magnificently in the final round to post a 20-under tournament score.
Does this mean he had the best runner-up PGA four-round number of all-time? With Schauffele, DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland being in a position on the back nine to win the title, there was lots of clutch golf play as they moved toward the 18th hole, where Schauffele’s birdie clinched his first major title. Also notable were Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler. Thomas was playing in his home state in front of thousands of Kentuckians hoping for him to capture the crown.
He did not win but he tied for eighth, which was worth $521,478. After the tournament he said that he was sad to see it end, because he was having so much fun. Good for him.
Scheffler’s brush with the law on May 17 naturally drew a great deal of media attention. His Jefferson County, Kentucky, court hearing has been reschedu.