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. This year's tournament has all the makings of a classic, with a mix of heavy hitters and underdogs vying for the title. The third round, known as 'moving day', lived up to its name as players jostled for position, and the drama is far from over.
What makes this tournament particularly fascinating is the unexpected rise of Alex Smalley. Smalley, who started the tournament as an underdog, has now taken the lead with a score of six under. This is a remarkable achievement, and it highlights the unpredictability of major golf tournaments. The fact that 14 players held at least a share of the lead at some point is a testament to the competitive nature of the field.
The course setup at Aronimink has played a significant role in shaping the leaderboard. Initially, the course was set up to be more severe, resembling the brutal examination usually reserved for the US Open. However, the PGA of America listened to the players' feedback and made adjustments. They moved some tees up and made pins more accessible, which, combined with more benign conditions, has created a classic major leaderboard. This change has allowed a diverse range of players to capitalize on the more favorable scoring conditions.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this tournament is the performance of the top-ranked players. Scottie Scheffler, the world's top player, and Rory McIlroy, the back-to-back Masters champion, have both had to navigate the challenging course. Scheffler, who won last year's US PGA, surprisingly stumbled to a 71 on Saturday, falling five shots behind the lead. McIlroy, who started at one over, made a strong move to join the lead at four under, but he also stumbled over the closing holes, finishing with a bogey at the 17th. These setbacks highlight the competitive nature of the tournament and the pressure on the top players.
The tournament has also seen the emergence of several underdogs. Justin Rose, a major winner, and Jon Rahm, a European star, have both made strong moves up the leaderboard. Rose, who was outside the top 100 after the first round, has now improved to two under, while Rahm, who has not won a major since joining LIV Golf, is two shots off the lead. The presence of these underdogs adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the tournament.
The English players in the tournament are also worth noting. Aaron Rai, Ludvig Aberg, Nick Taylor, and Matti Schmid are all within four shots of the lead, hoping to end a 107-year wait for an English winner of this championship. This group of players brings a unique dynamic to the tournament, as they strive to make history.
As the tournament progresses, the tension and excitement continue to build. With a tightly bunched leaderboard and a mix of established stars and rising underdogs, the 2026 US PGA Championship is a testament to the unpredictability and drama of major golf tournaments. The final round promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very end.
