The 2026 US PGA Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with a tightly bunched leaderboard and a surprise leader in Alex Smalley. The third round, dubbed 'moving day', saw 14 players take turns at the top, and with 30 players within five shots of Smalley's six-under score, the final round promises to be a nail-biter. The tournament setup at Aronimink, with its more accessible tees and pins, has created a classic major leaderboard, blending heavy hitters with lesser-known names.
One of the standout moments of the tournament has been Rory McIlroy's remarkable comeback. Starting at one-over, five shots behind the overnight leaders, McIlroy shared the lead at four-under. His strategy was to get to five-under, aiming to make it difficult for the leaders to shoot under par and surpass him. Despite a stumble on the 17th hole, McIlroy's performance showcases the potential for a major championship comeback, mirroring the record set by Steve Jones in the 1996 US Open. McIlroy's comeback is all the more impressive given his position after Thursday's opening round, being outside the top 100.
Other notable players include Justin Rose and Jon Rahm, both major winners, who are in strong contention. Rose, in his lowest round with new McLaren irons, carded six birdies and a bogey, while Rahm, chasing the third leg of a career Grand Slam, missed a crucial four-footer on the final hole but remains a strong contender. The tournament's bunched leaderboard adds to the excitement, with Scheffler, the defending champion, still in the running despite a less-than-stellar performance.
The US PGA Championship's setup at Aronimink, with its attack-ready pin positions and benign conditions, has created a unique challenge. The tournament's format, with its mix of heavy hitters and lesser-known names, has produced a classic major leaderboard. The bunched leaderboard and the tournament's setup have created a highly competitive environment, with the potential for a surprise winner. The final round promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the top players battling it out for the championship.
In my opinion, the US PGA Championship's setup at Aronimink has been a masterstroke, creating a classic major leaderboard. The bunched leaderboard and the tournament's format have added to the excitement, with the potential for a surprise winner. The tournament's setup has also created a unique challenge, with the top players battling it out for the championship. The final round promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the top players battling it out for the championship.
