Scheffler Drops From PGA Championship Lead Amidst Tightly Contested Field
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler lost his share of the lead during the second round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. Battling cold, gusty winds and poor driving accuracy, Scheffler fell from three-under to one-under par. The tournament features a historic logjam, with 48 players within three shots of the lead. While Scheffler and Martin Kaymer struggled, Alex Smalley surged to the outright lead, and Hideki Matsuyama moved into contention. Stars like Rory McIlroy face potential missed cuts, highlighting the event's intense competitiveness.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
US PGA Championship 2026: Live Updates from Final Round at Aronimink
Live coverage of the final round of the 2026 US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club highlights challenging conditions as the warmest day of the week causes the course to firm up. Early starters benefited from benign winds, with scoring expected to become progressively harder. Kurt Kitayama delivered a standout performance, shooting a 63 to finish at 4-under-par, capitalizing on calm morning conditions. Meanwhile, pre-tournament favorite and world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled, sitting at 1-under-par after missing a par saver on the 5th hole. Harris English maintained a steady start, remaining at 3-under-par after early birdies. The leaderboard remains tightly contested, with numerous players within striking distance of the lead. The article notes the potential for a playoff, given the large number of contenders within seven shots of the lead. Weather dynamics, including increasing wind later in the day, are expected to significantly impact the final pairings and overall tournament outcome.
The GuardianKurt Kitayama Shoots 63 in Final Round of 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink
At the 2026 PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania, American golfer Kurt Kitayama delivered a standout performance during the final round on Sunday, May 17. Kitayama carded a 7-under-par 63, becoming the only player to break 65 during the tournament after six other competitors had shot 65 on Saturday. This impressive round allowed him to climb more than 50 positions on the leaderboard, placing him inside the top 10 at 3-under overall, just three strokes behind the leader, Alex Smalley. Kitayama started early in the day, birdying his first three holes and adding four more later, despite hitting only half of the fairways. His performance raises questions about whether the course conditions will remain favorable for later tee times. However, forecasts indicate that wind speeds are expected to double by the time Smalley tees off in the afternoon, with sustained winds up to 12 mph and gusts reaching 20 mph, potentially making the course more challenging for the remaining contenders.
yahoo sportsAlex Smalley Leads Crowded Field Into PGA Championship Final Round
Alex Smalley holds a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, but faces an exceptionally crowded leaderboard. After a volatile third round characterized by shifting wind conditions and varying pin placements, Smalley sits at 6-under par following a resilient 68. He is pursued by five players tied at 4-under, including Jon Rahm, Ludvig Åberg, and Aaron Rai. Major champions Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Reed are among four players at 3-under, while world number one Scottie Scheffler trails at 1-under. In total, 30 competitors remain within five shots of the lead, creating what Schauffele termed an "absolute free-for-all." Smalley, ranked 78th globally and seeking his first career victory, will pair with Matti Schmid in the final group. Players expressed both excitement and stress regarding the bunched standings, noting that anyone within striking distance could contend for the title. The unusual competitiveness stems from a Saturday round that saw five players shoot 65, a stark contrast to the difficult conditions of the first two days.
New York PostAlex Smalley Takes Lead at US PGA Championship as McIlroy Chases
American golfer Alex Smalley has taken a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Despite bogeying three of his first four holes on Saturday, Smalley recovered strongly by birdying four of his last six holes to reach six under par. The 29-year-old, who is seeking his first PGA Tour win, now faces a tightly packed field with 21 players within four shots of the lead. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, aiming for his seventh major title, shot a 66 to finish one stroke behind Smalley. Other notable contenders include Jon Rahm, Ludvig Aberg, and Justin Rose, who recorded the best round of the week with a 65. World number one Scottie Scheffler remains in contention but trails further back after a one-over par round. The leaderboard remains highly competitive, with major champions and Ryder Cup stars closely grouped. Smalley acknowledged the magnitude of the opportunity but emphasized his intent to treat the final day like any other tournament, while competitors like Rahm praised the course setup for creating an exciting finale.
yahoo sportsAlex Smalley Takes Lead at 2026 PGA Championship After Resilient Round
At the 2026 PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club, 29-year-old Alex Smalley demonstrated remarkable resilience to seize a two-shot lead heading into the final round. Despite starting the day tied for the lead and suffering early setbacks with three bogeys in the first four holes, Smalley regrouped effectively. He birdied seven of his last twelve holes, including four of the final six, to card a round of 68. This performance makes him the only player in the field to record three sub-70 rounds so far. Smalley, who is playing in only his fifth major championship and has limited top-10 finishes this season, will pair with Germany’s Matti Schmid for the final round. Notable competitors like Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele remain close behind. Smalley becomes just the tenth player in the past three decades to hold a third-round major lead without a prior PGA Tour win. He acknowledged the pressure but aims to treat the final round like any other tournament, hoping to claim the Wanamaker Trophy.
yahoo sportsAlex Smalley Holds Two-Shot Lead Amid Historic Contention at PGA Championship
Alex Smalley holds a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, despite a crowded leaderboard featuring numerous top stars. Smalley, who became the only player to break par in all three rounds, recovered from early bogeys to shoot a 2-under 68 on Saturday. The third round was characterized by extreme volatility, with 14 different players holding or sharing the lead at various points. Consequently, 22 golfers enter Sunday within four shots of the lead, marking the largest contention field in PGA Championship history. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler sits five shots back after struggling with his putting, while major winners Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Ludvig Aberg remain in close pursuit. Rahm is tied for second alongside Aaron Rai, Nick Taylor, and Matti Schmid. The unusual depth of the leaderboard has created an unpredictable finale, with historical trends favoring champions emerging from the final group, where Smalley currently plays alongside Schmid.
yahoo sportsPGA Championship: Alex Smalley Leads as Historic Five-Way Tie Creates Wide-Open Final Round
Alex Smalley has taken a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, setting the stage for one of the most wide-open major championships in recent history. After 54 holes, Smalley sits at 6 under par, while a historic five-way tie for second place leaves five players just two shots behind. In total, 22 players are within four shots of the lead, marking a PGA Championship record and only the fifth time in major history such a tight cluster has occurred behind an outright leader. Prominent golfers including Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Reed are among those trailing, alongside several contenders seeking their first major title, such as Ludvig Aberg and Matti Schmid. Players attributed the bunched leaderboard to cautious play during difficult early conditions and a lenient setup on Saturday that failed to separate the field. The unprecedented competitiveness has generated significant intrigue, with many participants expressing excitement about the potential for a dramatic finish on Sunday.
yahoo sportsSchauffele Holds Edge in Chaotic PGA Championship Final Round
Xander Schauffele enters the final round of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club just three shots behind leader Alex Smalley, feeling confident despite a crowded leaderboard. Describing the tournament as a "free-for-all" due to difficult course conditions involving wind and tricky pins, Schauffele believes his experience as a recent major champion gives him an advantage over many contenders. After a mixed start to the week, he rebounded with a strong four-under-par round on Saturday following a late coaching session. The leaderboard is tightly packed, with ten players within three strokes of the lead and thirty within five. While established stars like Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Patrick Reed are in contention, several leaders lack significant major championship experience. Schauffele aims to maintain focus and control what he can, leveraging his past successes at Valhalla and Royal Troon to navigate the high-pressure Sunday environment. The article highlights the contrast between seasoned veterans and newcomers in this unpredictable major championship finish.
Golf.com - Top StoriesScheffler's Putting Struggles Force Comeback Bid at 2026 PGA Championship
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler faces a significant challenge at the 2026 PGA Championship after a disappointing third round at Aronimink Golf Club. Despite strong ball-striking, Scheffler's putter failed him, resulting in six missed putts from inside 10 feet, including four birdie opportunities. He finished the round with a 1-over-par 71, dropping 14 spots to a tie for 23rd place, five shots behind the leader. The leaderboard remains tightly contested, with Alex Smalley holding a two-stroke advantage after a volatile day featuring multiple lead changes among 14 different players. Scheffler acknowledged his short-game struggles but expressed confidence in his ability to mount a comeback in the final round, citing his recent form and major championship experience. The event, taking place in the Philadelphia area, has featured difficult pin placements and windy conditions. Scheffler, currently ranked number one in the world alongside Rory McIlroy, aims to become the first player to win back-to-back PGA Championships, though he admits the crowded field makes the outcome unpredictable.
yahoo sportsLudvig Aberg Stunned by Tight PGA Championship Leaderboard After Day Three
Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg expressed shock at the unprecedented competitiveness of the PGA Championship leaderboard following the third round at Aronimink Golf Club. After shooting a two-under-par 68 on Saturday, Aberg moved into a tie for second place at four-under-par, trailing 54-hole leader Alex Smalley. Aberg noted that more than 20 players, including major stars like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele, remain within a few strokes of the lead. He attributed the tight grouping to the challenging course setup, which features difficult par-3s and tough approach shots on par-4s, limiting separation among the field. Despite the crowded leaderboard, Aberg remains focused on employing a patient strategy for the final round. He aims to overcome previous final-round struggles, such as his collapse at The Players Championship earlier in the year, to secure a major title. Aberg described the situation as exciting for viewers and emphasized the importance of discipline on a course where many competitors are struggling with similar holes.
yahoo sportsPGA Championship Becomes Widest-Open Major in Years After Chaotic Third Round
The 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club has evolved into one of the most open major tournaments in recent history following the third round. Alex Smalley secured a narrow two-shot lead at 6 under par, but the leaderboard remains exceptionally crowded. Twenty-two players are within four shots of the lead, setting a PGA Championship record and creating a highly competitive field heading into Sunday. Jon Rahm, currently tied for second, expressed astonishment at the tight scoring, noting he had never seen such a bunched leaderboard in his career. Swedish rookie Ludvig Aberg echoed these sentiments, highlighting the excitement for viewers as numerous players remain in contention. While established stars like Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Reed are in pursuit, many contenders, including Smalley and Matti Schmid, are aiming for their first major titles. The tight competition is attributed to difficult pin locations earlier in the week and a lenient setup on Saturday that failed to separate the field, promising a dramatic final round.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseSmalley Takes Two-Shot Lead Into Final Round of US PGA Championship
Alex Smalley has taken a two-shot lead into the final round of the US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, finishing the third round at six under par after shooting a 68. The 29-year-old North Carolina native, who has never won a professional tournament, recovered from four bogeys in his first eight holes to surge ahead. However, he faces intense pressure from a historically congested leaderboard. Five players, including Jon Rahm and Aaron Rai, are tied for second place at four under, while major champions like Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Reed are just one shot further back. In total, 21 players remain within four shots of the lead, creating what Scottie Scheffler described as a situation where it is literally anybody's tournament. Despite the crowded field and the presence of eight major champions nearby, Smalley holds the 54-hole lead for the first time in his career. The final round promises high drama as top contenders look to overcome the difficult course conditions in Philadelphia.
The GuardianSmalley Leads as Stars Jostle on US PGA 'Moving Day'
American golfer Alex Smalley holds a two-shot lead after the third round of the 2026 US PGA Championship at Aronimink, finishing at six under par following a round of 68. The day, known as 'Moving Day,' saw significant shifts in the leaderboard after the PGA of America adjusted tee positions and pin placements to address earlier complaints about course difficulty from top players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Consequently, 30 players remain within five shots of the lead heading into Sunday's final round. Major contenders Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm surged up the standings; McIlroy shot a 66 to reach three under, while Rahm carded a 67 to sit two shots back. Justin Rose also climbed the leaderboard with a superb 65, joining Aaron Rai, Ludvig Aberg, Nick Taylor, and Matti Schmid at four under. In contrast, defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with a 71, leaving him five shots adrift. The adjustments created a competitive field mixing established stars with lesser-known names, setting the stage for a tight conclusion to the major championship.
yahoo sportsAlex Smalley Leads PGA Championship Amid Tight Field at Aronimink
American golfer Alex Smalley has taken the sole lead at the PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club, finishing the third round with a score of 68 strokes for a total of 204 (-6). He holds a two-stroke advantage over a large chasing group that includes major contenders like Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy. The tournament is characterized by an unusually compact leaderboard, with 43 players within six strokes of the lead, setting the stage for a highly competitive final day. Smalley, described as the 'Rocky Balboa' of the field due to his underdog status and recent rise in form, admitted discomfort with the attention but remains confident. Spanish golfer David Puig is also in contention, sitting equal with the world number one after shooting 71. World number one Scottie Scheffler noted the unprecedented tightness of the classification, comparing the windy conditions and sloped greens to playing a lottery. The final round promises significant surprises given the depth of talent still in contention for the Wanamaker Trophy.
PortadaAlex Smalley Holds Two-Shot Lead Amid Crowded Field at PGA Championship
Alex Smalley secured a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club after shooting a 2-under-par 68 on Saturday. Despite the PGA of America easing the course setup, the leaderboard remains tightly packed with nearly two dozen contenders within striking distance. Smalley, who has never won a PGA Tour event in 140 starts, rallied from early bogeys to reach 6-under 204, marking a potential major upset if he wins the Wanamaker Trophy. Chasing him at 4-under are Jon Rahm, Aaron Rai, Ludvig Aberg, Matti Schmid, and Nick Taylor, all of whom capitalized on softer morning conditions. Three shots back at 3-under are major winners Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Reed, alongside Maverick McNealy, who shared the earlier lead but stumbled late. The field saw increased scoring opportunities compared to previous rounds, with several players posting rounds of 65. Smalley’s steady play, including key birdies on holes 15, 16, and 18, allowed him to maintain his advantage despite increasing winds in the afternoon. The stage is set for a competitive Sunday finish among a large group of hopefuls.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseSmalley Leads Crowded PGA Championship as Scheffler Calls It 'Anybody's Tournament'
Alex Smalley secured a two-shot lead after the third round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, finishing at six under par following a final-hole birdie. The leaderboard remains exceptionally tight, with 43 players within five shots of the lead heading into Sunday's final round. Defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled on the greens, carding a one-over 71 to sit at one under, yet he emphasized the unpredictable nature of the competition, stating it is literally anybody's tournament. Rory McIlroy emerged as a strong contender, shooting a four-under 66 to reach three under, recovering from earlier criticism of his performance. He trails Smalley by three shots. A large chasing group, including Jon Rahm, Ludvig Aberg, and Xander Schauffele, remains within striking distance. While softer morning conditions allowed for lower scoring, afternoon gusts reintroduced difficulty, ensuring a highly competitive and uncertain conclusion to the major championship.
Latest NewsJustin Rose and Others Shoot 65s as Conditions Ease at PGA Championship
During the third round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, favorable weather and more accessible pin positions led to significantly lower scores. Justin Rose, Chris Kirk, and Kristoffer Reitan each carded 5-under-par 65s, moving them up the leaderboard after starting the day over par. The improved conditions, characterized by warmer temperatures and less wind compared to the first two days, allowed players to attack the course more aggressively. Chris Kirk nearly made history by shooting a 62 but finished with a double-bogey on the 18th hole. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy was poised to tie for the lead at 4 under par through 15 holes. Players cited the change in pin placements and weather as key factors in the scoring drop. Second-round leaders Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley were scheduled to tee off later in the afternoon. The shift in conditions marked a stark contrast to earlier complaints about untenable pin locations, with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler having previously criticized the setup as absurd.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseUS PGA Championship 2026: Chris Kirk Shares Lead After Historic Round Pursuit
Live updates from the third round of the 2026 US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club highlight a surge in low scoring due to favorable weather conditions. Chris Kirk emerged as a central figure, sinking a long birdie putt on the 17th hole to reach 4-under par, sharing the lead with Smalley and McNealy. Kirk is poised to potentially shoot a 62, which would equal the record for the lowest round in a men's major championship, currently held by Branden Grace, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, and Shane Lowry. Meanwhile, Michael Kim, representing the USA, overcame a significant deficit to become the clubhouse leader with a 67, finishing at level par overall after a strong morning run that included an eagle. Nicolai Højgaard also posted a 66 to share the clubhouse lead. The leaderboard remains tight, with notable players like Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas, and Scottie Scheffler trailing closely behind the leaders. The article captures the dynamic nature of the tournament's third day, emphasizing unexpected performances and historical potential.
The GuardianMichael Kim Charges Up Leaderboard With Fast Start in PGA Championship Third Round
Michael Kim delivered an impressive performance during the third round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, shooting a 5-under 30 on the front nine. Leveraging six birdies in his first seven holes, Kim surged up the leaderboard, moving from 93rd place after the first round to ninth position early in Saturday's play. This strong start marks a significant turnaround for Kim, who had barely made the cut after chipping in for an eagle in the second round. The tournament features an unusually tight competition, with the top 15 players separated by just two shots and only eight strokes distinguishing first from last among those who made the cut. The event highlights a crowded field where low scores are enabling many golfers to enter contention. Additionally, the PGA Championship has increased its total prize fund to $20.5 million this year, with the winner set to receive $3.69 million. Kim's blistering pace suggests that the leaderboard remains highly volatile as leaders Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy prepare for their afternoon tee times.
yahoo sportsRose Surges at PGA Championship as McIlroy Chases Leaders
During the third round of the US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, Justin Rose demonstrated strong form by birdying multiple holes to move to one under par. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy continued his push up the leaderboard after recovering from a disappointing opening round with a bogey-free 67 on Friday, placing him within five shots of the leaders. The halfway lead is currently shared by American duo Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy at four under par. The tournament has seen a crowded leaderboard due to challenging course conditions, with 15 players within two shots of the lead. Early starters on Saturday, including Michael Kim and Chris Kirk, posted low scores as winds faded and temperatures rose. World number one Scottie McIlroy and other top players had previously criticized the difficult pin placements and setup. The warmer weather on Saturday is expected to make the greens firmer and faster, adding another layer of challenge for the competitors as they navigate the undulating course in south-west Philadelphia.
yahoo sports