The 2024 PGA Championship is upon us, bringing with it a flurry of excitement and anticipation. Hosted at the prestigious Valhalla Golf Club, the second major of the season promises to deliver thrilling golf action. As the competition kicks off, fans and followers need to stay updated on their favorite players’ tee times and how to catch every moment live. We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the first day’s matchups and all the necessary details to ensure you don’t miss a single swing.
First-Round Tee Times and Groupings
1. Early Morning Starters
The championship action begins bright and early with the opening group featuring last year’s Cinderella story, Michael Block. Teeing off at 7:15 a.m. ET alongside Luke Donald and Shaun Micheel, Block will set the pace for the day. This group is sure to capture attention as Block aims to replicate his previous successes.
2. Justin Thomas Kicks Off
Local favorite and Louisville native, Justin Thomas, will be in action at 7:53 a.m. ET. He is paired with Masters runner-up Ludvig Åberg and the ever-consistent Xander Schauffele. This trio is expected to draw significant crowds, with Thomas aiming to leverage home support to gain an early advantage.
3. Tiger Woods’ Grouping
Golf legend Tiger Woods takes to the course at 8:04 a.m. ET, accompanied by Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley. Woods, a 15-time major champion, always commands a massive following. His grouping is a blend of experience and skill, promising a captivating display of golf.
4. Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson
Immediately following Tiger Woods is another marquee group. Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Champion at Valhalla, starts his round at 8:15 a.m. ET. He is joined by Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose, forming a powerhouse trio that will be closely monitored throughout the day.
5. Brooks Koepka’s Quest for Glory
At 8:37 a.m. ET, reigning champion Brooks Koepka begins his title defense. Paired with Max Homa and Jordan Spieth, Koepka aims to add a fourth Wanamaker Trophy to his collection. This group not only includes the current champion but also Spieth, who is still chasing his grand slam dream.
Afternoon Stars
6. Scottie Scheffler Leads the Way
The afternoon session is highlighted by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who tees off at 2:13 p.m. ET. He is paired with reigning U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and Open champion Brian Harman. This grouping epitomizes current excellence, with each player bringing recent major success to the course.
How to Follow the Action
7. Live Leaderboard Coverage
For real-time updates and comprehensive coverage, CBS Sports provides a live leaderboard throughout the day. This includes score updates, weather notices, highlights, and much more, ensuring fans are always in the loop.
8. Weather Impact
Due to weather conditions, the afternoon session has been pushed back by a few minutes. Staying informed about these adjustments is crucial, and the live coverage will keep you updated on any changes.
Key Players to Watch
9. Michael Block
Coming off a sensational season, Michael Block is a player to watch. His performance in the opening group could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
10. Justin Thomas
With the support of his hometown crowd, Justin Thomas aims to make a strong start. His early tee time and pairing with top contenders add to the intrigue.
11. Tiger Woods
Despite recent challenges, Tiger Woods remains a major draw. His experience and skill make him a perennial favorite, and his performance will be keenly observed.
12. Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy’s familiarity with Valhalla and his past success here make him a strong contender. His grouping with Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose adds to the excitement.
13. Brooks Koepka
As the reigning champion, Brooks Koepka carries the weight of expectations. His quest for a fourth PGA Championship is one of the tournament’s main storylines.
Historical Significance
14. Valhalla’s Legacy
Valhalla Golf Club has a storied history of hosting major championships. Its challenging layout and memorable moments make it a fitting venue for the PGA Championship.
15. Past Champions
Revisiting the past champions at Valhalla, including McIlroy and Woods, adds depth to the narrative. Their previous victories here set the stage for potential repeat performances.
The 2024 PGA Championship promises to be a thrilling spectacle of golf. With a star-studded lineup and intriguing groupings, the first day at Valhalla is set to deliver unforgettable moments. Fans can follow their favorite players through live coverage and stay updated on all the action. As the competition unfolds, the quest for the Wanamaker Trophy will captivate the golfing world.