Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson's Saturday at the PGA Championship

On Saturday at 10:50 a.m., Jordan Spieth (32) and Dustin Johnson (LIV Golf affiliate) were paired in the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA. Both started three hours ahead of the leaders on a softened layout with a bunched leaderboard. The round unfolded amid a Philadelphia crowd and early birdies and missed opportunities.

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Spieth won the 2015 U.S. Open after Johnson three-putted the final hole; Johnson captured the U.S. Open in 2016. Each has added one more major. Spieth’s last major came in 2015 and he has not won on tour in four years. Johnson’s most recent major was in 2016 and he has not won a LIV Golf event in two years. Both entered the PGA Championship aiming to end long title droughts.

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Spieth posted even-par 70 with a birdie on the par-5 ninth. He noted that his Strokes Gained: Putting must match the top-10 field to place him near the lead. Johnson’s round featured solid drives and some errant shots but no birdie on the ninth. Both players birdied the ninth hole. Spieth’s notable Friday shot was a punch-draw 60-degree from the 11th.

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Spieth, consulting caddie Michael Greller, described the round as frustrating and warned that less wind on Sunday will limit recovery chances unless he scores low. He said scoring depends on putting inside 150 yards and that his recent putting metrics trail the leaders. He added the event is his best chance in seven or eight years to win a major and will focus on his short-game. Johnson stayed largely silent, offering only a brief “Oh” after a missed shot and a “Fore!” when his ball entered the crowd.

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• “It’s very frustrating,” — Jordan Spieth, after shooting even-par 70

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• “Tomorrow there is going to be less wind so you’re not going to be able to make up as much ground without going super low.” — Jordan Spieth

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• “Scoring comes down to making putts,” — Jordan Spieth

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• “Having said that, I feel like I came in here saying that this is my best chance I have felt in seven or eight years to walk up and win a major championship.” — Jordan Spieth

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The performances illustrate the challenge for former major champions to regain winning form amid evolving tour dynamics, including LIV Golf’s influence. Their results shape narratives about the longevity of elite golfers and the competitive balance between stars and emerging talent.

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Spieth intends to sharpen his putting on Sunday, viewing the final round as his best opportunity to capture a major in nearly a decade. Johnson will rely on his power game to improve his standing, aiming to finish the tournament stronger than his early start.

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