Japan's Hiroshi Iwata matches major record with 63 at PGA Championship

Hiroshi Iwata, of Japan, hits on the 18th hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wis. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (The Associated Press)

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – Hiroshi Iwata of Japan has just completed a round of 63 at the PGA Championship, matching the lowest single-round score in a major.

Iwata, a veteran of the Japan Golf Tour, nearly chipped in to set the record on No. 18. His shot from out of the rough skidded 2 feet past and he tapped in for par. He is at 4-under 140 for the tournament, three behind leader David Lingmerth.

This was the 27th round of 63 to be shot at a major. The previous one was by Jason Dufner at the PGA in 2013 at Oak Hill Country Club.

Johnny Miller hit the mark first, at the U.S. Open in 1973. He remains the only player to close a major with a 63 to win the tournament.