The PGA Championship has undergone a fascinating evolution, shifting from its former position as the last major of the year to a more ambiguous slot in the golf calendar. This transition has sparked intriguing discussions about the tournament's identity and the caliber of its champions. The 2026 edition, held at Aronimink Golf Club, promises to be a thrilling affair, with a stellar field vying to dethrone Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion.
The Elite Club
Since moving to its new May slot, the PGA Championship has witnessed an exclusive club of winners, all elite-level players. This trend is a testament to the tournament's prestige and the meticulous course setups by Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America's chief championship officer. Haigh's designs have consistently identified the best player for the week, ensuring that the winner's circle remains an elite fraternity.
The Contenders
Scottie Scheffler: Despite recent runner-up finishes, Scheffler's form is undeniable. His ability to bounce back from slow starts and consistently contend makes him a formidable favorite. However, his competitors are eager to capitalize on any weaknesses, and Scheffler's quest for a repeat will be fiercely contested.
Cameron Young: Young's meteoric rise is a captivating narrative. After breaking through with his first PGA Tour victory, he's now a top-five player in the world. His newfound ability to close out tournaments, coupled with his power game, positions him as a serious contender.
Rory McIlroy: Fresh off a Masters victory, McIlroy is riding a wave of momentum. His motivation and confidence are at an all-time high, making him a dangerous opponent. With the single-season grand slam still within reach, McIlroy's presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
Matt Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick's resurgence is a testament to perseverance. After a period of swing adjustments and lost confidence, he's now a top-five player with three wins this season. His consistency and major championship experience make him a strong candidate to challenge for the title.
Jon Rahm: Rahm's recent struggles on the LIV Golf tour have been well-documented. However, his talent and major championship pedigree cannot be overlooked. A return to form at the PGA Championship could be the catalyst for a resurgence, making him a player to watch.
Xander Schauffele: Schauffele's major championship prowess is undeniable. With two major titles already under his belt, he's a proven performer on the big stage. Flying slightly under the radar this season, he's poised to make a statement and remind everyone of his elite status.
Chris Gotterup: Gotterup's rise has been impressive, with four wins in the past 24 months. His ability to elevate his game against top competition is a key strength. If he can replicate his past successes at Aronimink, he could be a surprise contender.
Tommy Fleetwood: Fleetwood's history at Aronimink is noteworthy. His course record-tying rounds in 2018 showcase his potential to excel at this venue. With a reputation for going low at majors, Fleetwood is a player to keep an eye on.
Ludvig Åberg: Åberg's recent close calls have drawn comparisons to Scheffler and Young. His ability to contend consistently suggests that a breakthrough victory is imminent. With a solid all-around game, he's a player to watch as he seeks his first major championship.
Bryson DeChambeau: DeChambeau's recent form has been a topic of discussion. Despite a strong start to the season, his recent withdrawal due to injury raises questions. However, his major championship pedigree and ability to overpower courses make him a wildcard in the field.
Collin Morikawa: Morikawa's resilience in the face of injury is admirable. His top-10 finishes at the Masters and RBC Heritage demonstrate his determination. If he can manage his health, Morikawa could be a serious threat to the title.
Justin Thomas: Thomas's recent form has been inconsistent, but his major championship pedigree is undeniable. With two PGA Championship titles already, he's a proven performer at this level. A return to form at Aronimink could see him join the elite group of players with three or more PGA Championship victories.
Brooks Koepka: Koepka's return to the PGA Tour has been eventful. His recent performances suggest a resurgence, and his major championship experience makes him a formidable contender. With his putter as the key to his success, Koepka is a player to watch closely.
Patrick Cantlay: Cantlay's recent form has been overshadowed by other players, but his consistent top-12 finishes and impressive ball-striking numbers make him a sleeper pick. With a solid major championship record, Cantlay could surprise many and contend for the title.
Robert MacIntyre: MacIntyre's recent performances at major championships have been impressive, including a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open. His ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage makes him a player to watch, especially with the home crowd's support at Aronimink.
Rickie Fowler: Fowler's recent resurgence has been a welcome sight. With three consecutive top-10 finishes, including a runner-up at the Truist Championship, he's back in form. His experience at Aronimink, where he has finished T-13 and T-8 in the past, adds to his credentials as a contender.
Russell Henley: Henley's major championship record is impressive, with multiple top-10 finishes at the other three majors. However, his performance at the PGA Championship has been less consistent. With a well-rested approach and a strong recent showing at the Masters, Henley could be poised for a breakthrough at Aronimink.
Adam Scott: Scott's recent performances have been a mixed bag, with poor starts followed by strong finishes. His ball-striking ability, reminiscent of Scheffler, is a key strength. If he can overcome his Thursday blues, Scott could be a dark horse contender.
Tyrrell Hatton: Hatton's emotional playing style has made him a fan favorite. With a strong showing at the Masters, he's poised to make a statement at the PGA Championship. His ability to feed off the crowd's energy could be a significant factor at Aronimink.
Sepp Straka: Straka's recent form and iron play have been impressive. With a win at the Philly Cricket Club last year, he has some local mojo on his side. His consistent top-15 finishes make him a player to watch as he seeks to make a statement at a major championship.
Patrick Reed: Reed's current golf purgatory status has allowed him to focus solely on the majors. His recent top-12 finishes at Augusta National demonstrate his major championship prowess. With a win at the 2018 Masters, Reed is a proven performer on the big stage.
J.J. Spaun: Spaun's recent victory at the Valero Texas Open has him riding a wave of confidence. His success at Oakmont in the U.S. Open last year suggests he has the game to contend at major championships. With a strong ball-striking ability, Spaun could be a surprise package at Aronimink.
Kurt Kitayama: Kitayama's recent form has been impressive, with three straight top-10 finishes. His statistical prowess and ability to contend consistently make him a player to watch. With a solid all-around game, Kitayama could be a dark horse contender at Aronimink.
Si Woo Kim: Kim's recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows. His victory at The Players Championship in 2017 showcased his potential, but he's struggled with consistency. If he can find his rhythm, Kim could be a surprise contender at the PGA Championship.
Viktor Hovland: Hovland's career has been a rollercoaster, with highs and lows. His near-miss at the PGA Championship three years ago could be a motivating factor. With a strong all-around game, Hovland is a player capable of contending at any major championship.
Hideki Matsuyama: Matsuyama's recent form has been a puzzle. Despite his tremendous play with most clubs, his results have been lackluster. With a major championship victory already under his belt, Matsuyama is a player who could surprise many if he finds his rhythm at Aronimink.
Justin Rose: Rose's recent club change has raised eyebrows. His initial struggles with the new irons are a concern, but his track record suggests he can adapt. With a major championship victory in his past, Rose is a player who could thrive at Aronimink if he can quickly adjust to his new equipment.
Keegan Bradley: Bradley's victory at Aronimink in 2018 is a significant factor in his favor. His recent form has been improving, and his major championship experience makes him a player to watch. With a win at the 2011 PGA Championship, Bradley is a proven performer on the big stage.
Jordan Spieth: Spieth's recent form has been a rollercoaster, but his major championship pedigree is undeniable. With three major titles already, he's a proven performer at this level. If he can find consistency, Spieth could be a serious threat to join McIlroy in the career grand slam club.
Stewart Cink: Cink's dominance on the PGA Tour Champions circuit is undeniable. With four victories in nine starts, he's a force to be reckoned with. His major championship experience and current form make him a player who could surprise many at Aronimink.
The 2026 PGA Championship promises to be a captivating affair, with a deep field of contenders and a rich history of elite champions. As the players prepare for the challenge at Aronimink, the stage is set for a thrilling battle, where the winner will not only claim the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy but also etch their name into golf's rich history.
