The PGA Championship 2026: When the Underdogs Take Center Stage
The PGA Championship is always a spectacle, but this year’s edition at Aronimink Golf Club has taken an unexpectedly thrilling turn. As we head into Round 3, the narrative isn’t dominated by the usual suspects—instead, it’s the underdogs, the unexpected leaders, and the course itself that are stealing the show. Let’s dive into what makes this tournament so captivating, and why it’s a perfect example of golf’s unpredictable nature.
The Surprising Leaders: McNealy and Smalley
Personally, I think the most intriguing aspect of this tournament so far is the emergence of Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley as co-leaders at 4 under par. These aren’t household names in the golf world, yet here they are, atop the leaderboard after 36 holes. What makes this particularly fascinating is their journey to this point. McNealy, a 30-year-old who had never cracked the top 20 in a major until last month’s Masters, is now in contention for one of golf’s biggest prizes. Smalley, meanwhile, has defied the odds with his putting prowess, despite being outside the top 40 in strokes gained from tee to green. Their success raises a deeper question: Is this a fluke, or are we witnessing the rise of new stars?
What many people don’t realize is that putting has been the great equalizer at Aronimink. The course’s tricky greens have humbled even the most seasoned pros, but McNealy and Smalley have thrived. McNealy calls putting his ‘superpower,’ and Smalley’s analytically-minded mother could probably tell you exactly how many strokes her son has gained on the greens this week. This isn’t just luck—it’s skill, strategy, and a bit of nerve.
Aronimink: The Unsung Hero
If you take a step back and think about it, Aronimink has been the real star of this tournament. Before the event, there was speculation that the course wouldn’t be able to challenge the pros, especially with their 190 mph drives. But boy, were those predictions wrong. The wind, the pin placements, and the tabletop-sized shelves on the greens have turned Aronimink into a beast. Scottie Scheffler called the pin on No. 14 the ‘hardest pin he’s seen in a long time,’ and I watched Tommy Fleetwood’s ball ping-pong across it, leading to a double bogey. This course isn’t just defending itself—it’s fighting back.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Kerry Haigh, the chief championships officer at the PGA of America, has dialed up the difficulty. The pin placements are brutal, and the greens are punishing. It’s as if the PGA wanted to silence the doubters who thought this would be a birdie-fest. So far, it’s worked—no one has gone lower than 4 under through 36 holes. Will that change today? I’m not so sure.
The Chasing Pack: Familiar Names, Unfamiliar Positions
What this really suggests is that the PGA Championship is wide open. There are 44 players within five strokes of the lead, a record for this tournament. Among them are past major champions like Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas, and Scottie Scheffler. But here’s the twist: they’re not running away with it. Instead, they’re part of a crowded field where anyone could make a move. Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka are all within striking distance, but they’ll need to navigate Aronimink’s challenges better than they have so far.
One thing that immediately stands out is the absence of Bryson DeChambeau. The LIV Golf poster boy missed the cut at 7 over par, continuing his struggles in majors. It’s a stark contrast to his 2025 season, where he finished second at the PGA Championship. Golf is a fickle game, and DeChambeau’s downfall is a reminder that even the biggest names can falter.
The Historical Context: What Does It Take to Win?
From my perspective, the historical trends surrounding the PGA Championship add another layer of intrigue. Since the tournament moved to May in 2019, every winner has met specific criteria: a top-25 finish at the previous month’s Masters, a previous top-2 finish in a major, a top-3 finish on the PGA Tour in the last year, and a round of 5 under or better in their last start. Only three players fit that bill this year: Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, and Ludvig Åberg. All three are at 2 under par and very much in the mix. Does history repeat itself, or will someone break the mold?
The Fans and the Venue: A Perfect Setting
What many people don’t realize is that Aronimink’s return to the major stage after 64 years is a big deal. The last time the PGA Championship was here, in 1962, Gary Player won his third major. Now, the course is hosting the world’s best once again, and the Philadelphia fans are living up to their reputation—lively but respectful. It’s a beautiful setting for what could be a historic tournament.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Lift the Wanamaker Trophy?
As we head into Round 3, the big question is: Who has what it takes to win? Is it McNealy or Smalley, proving that their success is no fluke? Or will a seasoned veteran like Scheffler or Thomas emerge from the pack? Personally, I think the course will have the final say. Aronimink has already shown it’s not afraid to bite back, and with warmer weather expected, the greens could become even more treacherous.
In my opinion, this tournament is a reminder of why golf is so captivating. It’s not just about the players—it’s about the course, the conditions, and the unpredictable nature of the game. So, grab your popcorn (or your coffee, if you’re watching the early tee times) and tune in. This is shaping up to be one for the ages.
