Thursday at the 2026 PGA Championship delivered plenty of drama, but the biggest surprise wasn't just one moment—it was a full day of unexpected twists at Aronimink. While Scottie Scheffler sits comfortably tied for the lead alongside six others, the storylines that emerged from the opening round have everyone talking.

Let's start with the most bizarre: Garrick Higgo showing up late for his tee time at a major championship. Even more head-scratching was his post-round explanation, claiming "I was obviously there on time but late." The real kicker? Despite the penalty, he still managed to climb into a share of the lead. Talk about a rollercoaster start to a major.

Then there's Martin Kaymer, a name that feels like a blast from the past. The German, ranked a staggering 1,160th in the world, is suddenly near the top of the leaderboard. It's been over a decade since he won the PGA Championship (2010) and a U.S. Open (2014), but he's playing this week on a lifetime exemption from that 2010 victory. His resurgence is the kind of feel-good story that makes major week so special.

Perhaps the most shocking development was the combined struggles of Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy. These two bombers, who have built careers on overpowering courses, shot a combined 10-over par on Day 1. This comes after McIlroy's pre-tournament comments that Aronimink "doesn't demand much strategy off the tee." Turns out, the course had the last laugh—proximity differences off the fairway proved far more punishing than expected.

As the championship unfolds, one thing is clear: Aronimink is no pushover, and this major is wide open. Whether you're rooting for a comeback story, a redemption arc, or just great golf, Thursday set the stage for an unforgettable weekend.