Madison’s Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker are in the mix after the opening round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday.
Kelly, who only made the PGA field when Dustin Johnson withdrew, fired a 4-under par 67 and finds himself just 2-shots off the lead. He made six birdies in his opening round.
Steve Stricker, who is playing with a torn labrum in his left hip, shot a 2-under 69 and is four shots off the lead.
Kevin Chappel, Lee Westwood and Ryan Palmer are the first round leaders, firing 6-under par 65’s. There’s a group of five players at -5, including Rory McIlroy, who is looking for his 3rd straight victory on the PGA Tour.
Menasha’s Ryan Helminen scrambled to shoot a 2-over par 73. He put himself in a decent position to make the cut and play on the weekend.
Tiger Woods struggled, shooting an opening round 3-over 74.