Johnson Wagner has suggested that he has changed his mind on whether he thinks the major championship scoring record could be broken at Aronimink this week.
Xander Schauffele holds the record for the lowest score to par in any of the four majors. The American was 21 under par when he won the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla.
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Some may have heard comments from Rory McIlroy this week and assumed that the record could be in trouble two years on.
Johnson Wagner assesses how tough Aronimink will be during the PGA Championship
McIlroy claimed that there is little need for strategy off the tee at Aronimink. The Northern Irishman clearly believes that hitting the ball as far as possible is a must if you are going to have success.
He also suggested that the Philadelphia course is unlikely to test all aspects of a player’s game.
Wagner was asked on Scorecard ahead of Thursday’s opening round whether someone could go on and finish lower than 21 under par this week. And he suggested that the course is looking tougher than some may realise.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
“I’m taking the under on that. They topped the rough today. They cut maybe an inch off of it yesterday when I was watching these guys play out the rough, nobody hit the green from any hole out of the rough, and with it being topped, it’s a little bit different now,” he said.
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“It’s par 70 and I just think with I think with the density of the rough, the ball’s going to drop. it’s just not easy to get the ball onto the green. And then the intricacies of the green complexes I was thinking going into the week the same as you, but after walking on the grounds and seeing this golf course like up close and personal, I think I’m taking under.”
Potential concern Rory McIlroy may have been complacent leading into the PGA Championship
Wagner is not the only person with a different view. Justin Rose called McIlroy’s comments a shame.
With that, there may be a concern among McIlroy’s fans that he may be in for a slight surprise on Thursday when the first round commences.
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What does not help is the fact that McIlroy walked off the course during the early stages of a practice round due to the blister on his foot. He may not have the most complete view of how the golf course is going to play when the tournament starts.
Of course, he is one of the greatest talents the game has seen, particularly with a driver in his hands. He may well see the course very differently to others.
But hopefully his assessment is not a sign of any complacency from The Masters champion.
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