The US PGA Championship 2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament, with an unexpected leader and a tightly packed leaderboard.
The Surprising Leader
Alex Smalley, an unexpected contender, currently leads the pack with a score of six under after a solid two-under 68 in the third round. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the challenging course setup and the strong field of competitors.
A Crowded Leaderboard
What makes this tournament particularly fascinating is the sheer number of players in contention. At some point during the third round, an incredible 14 players shared the lead, and going into the final round, 30 players are within five shots of the leader. This creates an exciting dynamic and keeps the outcome highly unpredictable.
Course Challenges and Adjustments
The course at Aronimink presented a tough test, with its severe setup generating much discussion among the players. Some, like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, even voiced criticism, with Scheffler going so far as to describe certain pin positions as "absurd." However, the PGA of America listened and made adjustments, moving tees up and making pins more accessible. This, coupled with more favorable conditions, has resulted in a classic major leaderboard, showcasing a mix of established stars and lesser-known names.
Major Winners on the Move
Several big names took advantage of the more forgiving conditions early on. McIlroy, who started the tournament with a four-over 74, improved his position with a 67 on Friday and a 66 on Saturday, putting him at three under and boosting his chances of claiming his third US PGA title. Other major winners making a move include Justin Rose, whose impressive 65 revived his hopes of winning his second major, and Jon Rahm, who is just two shots off the lead and aiming for the third leg of a career Grand Slam.
English Hopefuls
It's worth noting that Rose isn't the only English player with a chance to end the 107-year drought at the US PGA Championship. Aaron Rai, Ludvig Aberg, Nick Taylor, and Matti Schmid are all tied at four under, keeping English hopes alive.
Scheffler's Stutter
One notable development is Scottie Scheffler's unexpected stumble. The world number one, who won last year's US PGA with a strong 65 on Saturday, managed only a 71 this time around, leaving him five shots behind the leader. This turn of events adds an extra layer of intrigue to the final round.
Deeper Analysis
The adjustments made by the PGA of America to the course setup have had a significant impact on the tournament. By making the course more playable, they've allowed a wider range of players to compete for the title, creating a truly open and exciting competition. This highlights the importance of course management and the impact it can have on the outcome of a tournament.
Conclusion
As we head into the final round, the US PGA Championship 2026 is poised for an exciting conclusion. With so many players in contention and the leaderboard so tightly packed, it's anyone's game. Personally, I think the adjustments made to the course have opened up the field and created a truly captivating tournament. It will be fascinating to see who can maintain their focus and consistency to claim the title.
