Seven things we learned after Day 1 of the 2024 PGA Championship

After one round of the 2024 PGA Championship, here are some observations and takeaways from Thursday at Valhalla Golf Club:

1. How long can Xander Schauffele hold on? Schauffele is in prime position to win his first major, but the history isn't in his favor. Plus, the leaderboard is stacked with major winners trying to chase him down.
2. Is Viktor Hovland back? Hovland has missed the cut at all three majors in 2024 and was struggling with his swing. But after a 3-under 68 on Thursday, he said he's been working with swing coach Joe Mayo and feels like he's turned a corner.
3. Sahith Theegala's bad luck? Theegala, who rose to prominence at the 2022 Fortinet Championship, nearly didn't make it to Louisville after slipping a rib. But after a 6-under 65, Theegala is in the mix on a star-studded leaderboard.
4. Who needs the cut? After 18 holes, there are 64 players under par, with 84 players at even par or better. With the way the course is playing, expect more low scores on Friday. But that means many notable golfers are going to have to get it going to make the cut.
5. Major changes at Valhalla? Rain earlier this week softened Valhalla, which already had yielding greens and fairways with Bermuda grass. With more rain in the forecast, expect more golfers to go low in Kentucky.
6. A missed party? Unless he shoots a spectacular round on Friday, California club pro Michael Block won't be making the cut this year. After a nightmare start on Thursday, Block said he was channeling his inner Tom Wargo, the last PGA club pro to make the cut in back-to-back PGA Championships in 1992 and 1993.
7. No more Block party? After his memorable performance in 2023, golf fans were excited to see what Block would do in Louisville. But he'll likely be missing the weekend action unless he shoots a drastically better round on Friday.