PGA Championship: Mud Balls, Water Balls, and Big Names Losing Their Minds at Quail Hollow

Quail Hollow turned into a circus on Thursday, and the stars of the show were mud balls and a couple of the best players in the world losing their minds.

Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele both got completely wrecked on the 16th hole, and this wasn’t some bad swing or bonehead course management.

They both hit perfect drives right down the center of the fairway—exactly where you’re supposed to be. But thanks to the swampy mess left over from days of rain, both found mud stuck to their golf balls…and both watched helplessly as their approach shots hooked into the drink.

Scottie Scheffler was especially ticked. He called the mud balls at Quail Hollow flat-out frustrating and said it cost him at least two shots. Xander didn’t hold back either, calling the situation “kind of stupid.” Hard to disagree.

Scottie Scheffler not a fan of mud balls. Fair.

"You shouldn't be punished for hitting it in the fairway!"

Scottie Scheffler was left angry at a 'mud ball' issue after round one of the PGA Championship 💬 pic.twitter.com/rwnvXQ2ZnE
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 15, 2025

And look, while I’m all about chaos at the majors—let the carnage unfold, let the players suffer a little—there’s still something dumb about a guy getting penalized for doing everything right off the tee.

Quail Hollow delivered a brutal opening rounds to Rory, Scottie, and Xander, the Big 3 get humbled, mud balls and all

This is the same debate golf has with divots in the fairway. You hit it where you’re supposed to, you should get a playable lie. End of story.

But because the PGA of America decided not to play preferred lies today, this is the kind of unpredictable, borderline unfair stuff you get. Sure, it’s entertaining from the couch, but you can see why the players are ready to torch the place.

Beyond that, the real problem is the leaderboard. Right now, we’ve got Ryder Cup captains dusting off the clubs and Ryan Gerard—yeah, the Carolina kid—leading the charge. Fine story, but not exactly the kind of star power that gets people locked into their TVs on Sunday afternoon.

If Ryan Gerard wins the PGA Championship, he better thank that turtle

If the big names don’t rally soon, this major is going to feel like the Sanderson Farms Championship with a splash of drama. Scheffler, Xander, Rory—someone’s gotta grab this thing by the throat. If not, Sunday’s gonna look like a Korn Ferry event.