PGA Championship 2026 Preview: McIlroy and Scheffler headline stacked field at Aronimink

The PGA Championship returns this week with the men’s major season already in full swing after Rory McIlroy’s win at Augusta National set the tone for 2026.

A strong leaderboard at Augusta, where five of the top six in the world finished inside the top ten, only reinforced how little separates the elite players right now.

All eyes now turn to Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, a classic Donald Ross design with a rich but sporadic championship history, as the world’s best tee it up for the Wanamaker Trophy.

What is the big story going into the PGA Championship?

The men’s major season has already been shaped by Rory McIlroy’s win at Augusta National, adding another landmark moment to his career and tightening the rivalry at the very top of the game. With McIlroy now a Grand-Slam major winner and Scottie Scheffler continuing his dominance as world No 1, the gap between the elite players feels razor thin.

Five of the top six players in the world rankings finished inside the top ten at Augusta, reinforcing the strength at the top of the sport heading into the PGA Championship.

Where is the PGA Championship being played in 2026?

The PGA Championship returns to Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, a classic Donald Ross design with a long championship history. The course last hosted Gary Player’s win 64 years ago and has since staged major modern events, including Justin Rose’s AT&T National victory in 2010 and Keegan Bradley’s playoff win over Rose at the 2018 BMW Championship.

Aronimink also celebrates its centenary in the coming years, underlining its status as one of American golf’s historic venues.

What type of test does Aronimink Golf Club present?

Aronimink is known for its generous fairways, but that does not necessarily mean it is easy. The PGA of America’s setup will be crucial, with previous events producing very low scoring when conditions allow.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have both shot rounds of 62 here, with Woods famously playing the back nine in 29 during the 2018 BMW Championship. McIlroy’s 62 in the same event included two bogeys, showing how aggressively the course can be attacked.

The key question this week is whether officials narrow the playing corridors to reward accuracy as much as distance, creating a more demanding major championship test.

Who are the favourites to win the PGA Championship?

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy lead the field heading into the week. Scheffler’s consistency and control make him the benchmark in world golf, while McIlroy arrives in strong form after his Masters win and is chasing a third PGA Championship title.

Behind them, Cameron Young continues his rise after a breakthrough year, while Matt Fitzpatrick has surged back into the world’s top five following a strong run of results.

Justin Rose returns to a venue where he has previously won, while Jordan Spieth’s improved form adds intrigue as he continues his pursuit of the career Grand Slam. Tyrrell Hatton’s elite iron play also makes him a dangerous contender if precision becomes the deciding factor.

Which outsiders could contend this week?

Robert MacIntyre is one to watch after a disappointing Masters, with the course likely to suit his methodical style. Others such as Tommy Fleetwood and John Rahm are also well-fancied with the latter recently reaching an agreement to play in some DP Tour Events after the Spaniard joined LIV Golf a few years ago.

As ever in major championships, depth across the field means surprise challengers are always possible once pressure builds over the weekend.

How can fans follow the PGA Championship?

The tournament unfolds across four days, with early rounds beginning in the afternoon and extending into the evening due to American time differences. Weekend coverage builds from mid-afternoon, with the final round expected to stretch late into the night as the Wanamaker Trophy is decided at Aronimink Golf Club.