The 2026 PGA Championship is set to be a thrilling event, with a strong field of players competing at Aronimink Golf Club. The tournament promises to be a showcase of talent and strategy, as the world's best golfers battle it out for the coveted title. With recent history providing some clues, here's a deep dive into the potential winners and some intriguing storylines to watch out for.
The Top Contenders
Scottie Scheffler: The world's No. 1-ranked player, Scheffler has been in exceptional form, with only two defeats in regulation during his last three starts. However, he needs to improve his starting rounds, as his Round 1 scoring average ranks 77th on the PGA Tour. Despite his recent runner-up finishes, there's still room for improvement, and Scheffler's ability to close out tournaments will be crucial.
Cameron Young: Young's first career PGA Tour victory last August, followed by a strong Ryder Cup performance, has solidified his status as a top-five player. His ability to close out tournaments is a stark contrast to his previous runner-up finishes. Young's recent wins at The Players and the Cadillac Championship make him a formidable contender.
Rory McIlroy: McIlroy's Masters victory in 2026 is a significant achievement, and his motivation after Augusta could be a dangerous factor for the rest of the field. His recent performance at the Truist Championship and the Genesis tournament suggests he's in top form.
Rising Stars and Veterans
Matt Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick's resurgence is notable, with a top-five finish at the Truist Championship and a strong showing at the Zurich Championship. His swing tweaks and regained confidence have led to a PGA Tour-best three wins this season. Fitzpatrick's performance at the PGA Championship in 2022, where he finished T-8, bodes well for his chances this time around.
Jon Rahm: Rahm's recent struggles are worth noting, with no major finish better than seventh since leaving for LIV Golf. His disappointing T-38 at the Masters and two wins and five top-fives at majors from 2021-2023 suggest he's yet to find his rhythm. However, his talent and recent wins make him a contender to watch.
Xander Schauffele: Schauffele's first major title at the PGA Championship in 2024 and his recent wins at the Players and the Cadillac Championship make him a strong contender. His ability to compete with the best players and his recent form suggest he's a force to be reckoned with.
The Longshots and Dark Horses
Chris Gotterup: Gotterup's recent wins and world ranking make him a dark horse contender. His ability to perform against the best players and his recent success suggest he could be a surprise package.
Tommy Fleetwood: Fleetwood's course record-tying 8-under 62 at Aronimink in 2018 and his recent top-five finishes make him a strong contender. His ability to go low at majors and his recent form suggest he could be a surprise package.
The Veterans and Experience
Justin Thomas: Thomas's recent top-10 finish at The Players and his multiple PGA Championship titles make him a contender. His ability to perform under pressure and his recent form suggest he could be a surprise package.
Brooks Koepka: Koepka's recent wins and world ranking make him a strong contender. His ability to perform against the best players and his recent form suggest he could be a surprise package.
The Long-Awaited Return
Keegan Bradley: Bradley's recent improvement and his strong performance at the Truist Championship make him a contender. His ability to remember less and play better, and his recent form suggest he could be a surprise package.
The Unpredictable Factor
Jordan Spieth: Spieth's recent performances and his ability to entertain with his unpredictable play make him a contender. His recent top-five finishes and his ability to take two steps forward and one back suggest he could be a surprise package.
The Senior Contender
Stewart Cink: Cink's dominance on the PGA Tour Champions and his recent wins make him a contender. His ability to lead statistical categories and his recent form suggest he could be a surprise package.
As the 2026 PGA Championship unfolds, these players and their unique storylines will captivate golf fans worldwide. The tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of the sport. Who will rise to the top and claim the coveted title remains to be seen, but the competition is sure to be fierce.
