According to Elias Sports Bureau, this is only the second time since 1994 that no player in the world’s top 10 managed to finish in the top 10 after an opening round of a major, as some surprising names found themselves near the front instead.
Despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites due to his affinity for the Quail Hollow golf course and recent run of form, Rory McIlroy was one of the day’s biggest strugglers, finishing a full 10 shots off the opening-round pace set by Vegas, who grabbed a two-shot lead thanks to a stellar seven-under 64.
Vegas fired five birdies over his final six holes in North Carolina to finish two strokes ahead of Australia’s Cam Davis and American underdog Ryan Gerard.
Later starters on Thursday definitely enjoyed the best of the conditions, with the rain-soaked course drying out as the day progressed, offering improved scoring conditions that Vegas was able to take full advantage of.
“I got lucky that I was able to tee off very late and the course obviously is drying very quick,” he said.
“So I was able to take advantage a little bit of those conditions at the end of the day today. But obviously a solid round from beginning to end. Good way to start.”
Vegas, a four-time PGA Tour winner, grabbed the solo lead with an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-four eighth – his second-to-last hole – then extended his advantage by sinking a 26-footer on his final hole.
McIlroy entered the week with high expectations but struggled off the tee throughout the round and did not speak to the media after signing for a disappointing three-over 74, leaving him well behind the leaders.
Davis, who had missed five consecutive cuts earlier this season, was the early clubhouse leader before a bogey on his final hole dropped him into a tie with Gerard.
“I haven’t been having the best results on course lately over the last few months and been working really hard to turn that around,” said Davis.
“And to see the first real sign that it’s turning around happen in the first round of a major, it’s very encouraging.”
Three shots behind Vegas, a five-way tie for fourth includes 47-year-old European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.
Two-time major champion Scottie Scheffler opened with a 69, US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau posted an even-par 71, and Jordan Spieth – chasing a career Grand Slam – struggled to a 76.
After his round, Scheffler voiced frustration with tournament officials for not allowing preferred lies, given the course’s soaked conditions from recent heavy rain.
“You spend your whole life trying to learn how to control a golf ball, and due to a rules decision all of a sudden you have absolutely no control over where that golf ball goes,” said Scheffler.
“But I don’t make the rules. I just have to deal with the consequences of those rules.”
