The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club kicked off on May 15, and Alex Smalley, a North Carolina native and last-minute alternate, stole the spotlight with a 4-under 67, tying for second. Notified just hours before the tournament due to Sahith Theegala’s withdrawal, Alex Smalley turned uncertainty into opportunity, thrilling local fans.
This article dives into Alex Smalley’s Round 1 performance, his journey, and his prospects, offering golf enthusiasts a detailed look at an unexpected contender.
Background: From Alternate to Spotlight
Alex Smalley, a 28-year-old PGA Tour pro, was born in Rochester, New York, but grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where his golf passion ignited at age four with a plastic club from his grandmother, per EssentiallySports. A Duke University standout, Alex Smalley turned pro in 2019, earning Korn Ferry Tour honors before joining the PGA Tour.
His 2025 season includes a T5 at the Myrtle Beach Classic and a T14 at the Players Championship, with $1.3 million in earnings, per Yahoo Sports. Alex Smalley’s late entry into the PGA Championship came on Wednesday at 3:55 p.m. when Theegala withdrew with a neck injury, giving the Greensboro resident a chance to shine in his home state, per Golfweek.
Round 1 at Quail Hollow: A Stellar Start
Alex Smalley teed off at 1:01 p.m. ET with Danny Willett and Nick Taylor, wasting no time. His 67 featured five birdies, an eagle on the par-5 7th, and three bogeys, placing him one shot behind leader Jon Vegas, per the Charlotte Observer.
According to Golfweek, one of his clutch putting highlights was a 71-foot eagle putt that was celebrated on X by @PGAChampionship. Smalley took advantage of his knowledge of Quail Hollow, which he has played several times, to gain 1.8 strokes on approach and 0.9 on the greens, according to SI.com, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Alex Smalley remained calm in the face of muddy fairways that caused “mud ball” problems for others, telling reporters, “To have a major in my home state is awesome,” according to The Mirror.
Challenges and Contender Status
The Alex Smalley story nearly didn’t happen. He narrowly missed automatic qualification at the Myrtle Beach Classic, finishing two shots off the lead, per NBC Sports. As first alternate, he drove from Greensboro, hoping for a spot, and seized it when Theegala’s injury persisted, per Express.co.uk. Quail Hollow’s 7,558-yard layout, softened by rain, tested players, but Smalley’s 67 matched college rival Ryan Gerard, another local star, per the Daily Mail.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Smalley’s iron play and local support—fans yelling “Go Heels!”—put him in a strong position with a predicted cut line of +1 and a Round 2 tee time of 7:36 p.m. BST, according to Sky Sports. But according to ESPN, he will need consistency when playing against Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
Broader Context: A Hometown Hero’s Moment
Alex Smalley’s breakout follows a tough March moment at The Players Championship, where his tee shot on the 17th rolled agonizingly along the green’s edge for 10 seconds before falling into water, costing him dearly, per CNN. That resilience fueled his PGA performance, with analysts like Smylie Kaufman on X calling him a “dark horse,” per @PGATOURComms.
His +25000 odds to win reflect his underdog status, but a top-10 at +1200 is within reach, per Golfweek. Smalley’s parents, Terry and Maria, who caddied for him at the 2022 Scottish Open, are likely cheering from Greensboro, per EssentiallySports.
Why Alex Smalley’s Run Matters
Alex Smalley’s 2025 PGA Championship surge is a feel-good story of grit and hometown pride. His 67, crafted under pressure as an alternate, inspires fans and showcases North Carolina’s golf passion. As Round 2 looms, Alex Smalley’s blend of local knowledge and fearless play makes him a player to watch in this major chase.
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