Ryan Gerard grew up on public golf courses in the Raleigh area, went to UNC and leads the field into Day 2 at Quail Hollow. Alex Smalley, another NC kid, is tied for second.

American golfer Ryan Gerard was the surprise name at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the first round at the 2025 PGA Championship

Here are 5 things to know about Gerard, a 25-year-old pro in his first full season as a card-carrying member of the PGA Tour.