Jhonattan Vegas Surges to Early Lead at 2025 PGA Championship with Electric Opening Round

Jhonattan Vegas has stormed to the top of the leaderboard at the 2025 PGA Championship, carding a sensational 7 under 64 in the opening round at Quail Hollow Club. The Venezuelan finished his round with a flourish, birdieing five of his last six holes to claim the early clubhouse lead and inject serious excitement into the year’s second major.

⛳ Lightning in Charlotte

Vegas was dialed in from the start but found another gear on the back nine, where he put on a clinic in ball striking and clutch putting. With soft greens and light wind offering scoring opportunities, Vegas took full advantage culminating in a red hot stretch that electrified fans and commentators alike.

• Score: 64 ( 7)
  
• Back nine: Five birdies in final six holes
  
• Course: Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NC
  
• Leaderboard position: 1st (after Round 1)
  

“I felt in control all day. The putts started dropping and the confidence kept growing,” Vegas said after the round.

📈 A Career Moment in the Making?

While Vegas has three PGA Tour wins to his name, he’s never truly contended deep into a major weekend. This start could signal a turning point, especially given his experience and comfort with the demanding layout of Quail Hollow.

• Best major finish: T17 at the 2016 Open Championship
  
• Strengths: Driving accuracy, aggressive approach shots, calm under pressure
  
• Playing with renewed composure after offseason swing adjustments
  

With the field chasing, Vegas will now be tested on how well he can handle the pressure of leading a major heading into Friday.

🔍 What’s Next at Quail Hollow?

The rest of the leaderboard features a mix of heavyweights and rising stars, but Vegas set the pace early, forcing the likes of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele to respond.

• Weather conditions expected to remain calm for Round 2
  
• Cut line likely projected near even par
  
• Quail Hollow’s “Green Mile” stretch (holes 16–18) will continue to challenge all contenders
  

If Vegas maintains this form, he could be in the spotlight through the weekend and maybe even in position for a career defining moment.

📰 Final Thoughts

Jhonattan Vegas’s opening round 64 at the PGA Championship was not just impressive it was electric. Leading at a major is rare air, but if he can keep his composure and rhythm, Vegas might just be writing the story of his career at Quail Hollow.