Ryan Gerard Shoots 66 to Lead Opening Round of 2025 PGA Championship

Ryan Gerard Shoots 66 To Lead Opening Round Of 2025 Pga Championship

Whoa, stop the scroll — Ryan Gerard just lit up the PGA Championship like it’s his homecoming parade!

The 25-year-old from Raleigh, NC, came out swinging (literally) and slapped down a scorching 5-under-par 66 to take the midday lead at Quail Hollow. That’s not a typo. He’s on top of some of golf’s biggest names — and doing it with style.

Oh, and get this — he did it while bogeying the last two holes. Yeah. He was cruising so hard, he could afford to fumble at the end and still lead. 🏌️‍♂️💥

Gerard’s no stranger to Quail Hollow. Back in college at UNC, he and his squad were forced by their coach to repeatedly play the brutal 18th hole until all six guys parred it — at the same time. That drill took over an hour, per NBC Sports. Wild, right? Who needs Top Golf when you’ve got boot camp golf?

Now fast-forward to 2025: The guy’s out here leading one of the sport’s biggest tournaments — in his home state, no less. It’s giving underdog-movie energy, and we’re here for it.

And if you’re wondering what’s behind this glow-up — it’s not just vibes. Gerard has been working with Jason Baile, recently crowned PGA of America’s Teacher of the Year. The guy’s been polishing Gerard’s swing to perfection, and clearly, it’s paying off. (Shoutout to Golf Digest for the tea.)

Something that @PGAChampionship leader Ryan Gerard told Garrett last week at @TruistChamp is how easy it is to not manage your energy properly throughout a tournament week.

Full chat w/Ryan on mindset, pressure & more: https://t.co/0XZgBFd0VG#PGAChamp #pgatour pic.twitter.com/MxdZG4OuGp

— BeyondTheClubhouse Podcast (@BeyondClubhouse) May 15, 2025

He’s already had a handful of top-25 finishes this season, but today? He stole the stage. PGA Tour hotshots better watch their backs — Gerard’s not playing around.

The PGA Championship just got real interesting.