As the 2026 PGA Championship unfolds at Aronimink Golf Club, the stage is set for an enthralling major. With the world's top golfers gathering, the question on everyone's mind is: Who will emerge victorious? In my opinion, the field is wide open, and the excitement is palpable. Let's delve into the rankings and explore the factors that could shape this championship.
The Top Contenders
Cameron Young (Rank: 1)
What makes Cameron Young stand out is his current form. With two wins and a T-3 finish at the Masters in his last five starts, he's on fire. His strength in par-3 scoring, combined with top-5 strokes gained off the tee and proximity, makes him a formidable force. I believe this is his moment to shine and claim his first major title.Scottie Scheffler (Rank: 2)
Despite a slight dip in form, Scottie Scheffler remains a strong contender. His three consecutive runner-up finishes showcase his consistency. With a solid performance in strokes gained off the tee and around the green, he's a force to be reckoned with. However, his iron play proximity could be a concern, which might impact his overall standing.Jon Rahm (Rank: 3)
Jon Rahm's dominance in the LIV series, with two wins and a second place finish in his last four starts, is impressive. However, his T-38 at the Masters raises questions. While he's undoubtedly one of the best all-around players, the challenge of translating form to majors is intriguing. This course, designed to reward complete players, could be his chance to prove his mettle.Ludvig Åberg (Rank: 4)
Ludvig Åberg's recent form is nothing short of remarkable. Cracking the top 5 in four of his last six starts, and topping the charts in various categories, he's a player to watch. His consistency and versatility make him a serious contender, and I wouldn't be surprised if he claimed his first major title this week.Rory McIlroy (Rank: 5)
Rory McIlroy's driving prowess is unmatched, and his top 10 strokes gained approach ranking further cements his status as a top contender. However, his putting struggles could be a hindrance. His inconsistent play at Quail Hollow, a course he's owned in the past, adds an intriguing layer to his performance this week.
The Mid-Field Contenders
Matthew Fitzpatrick (Rank: 6)
Matthew Fitzpatrick's recent form is impressive, with three wins in his last five starts. His putting is improving, and his ball-striking numbers are career-best. While his momentum might be fading slightly, his overall performance makes him a player to watch.Patrick Reed (Rank: 7)
Patrick Reed's consistency at the PGA Championship is notable, with top 20 finishes in three of his last six appearances. His driving accuracy at Augusta and the potential for a strong performance at Aronimink make him a dark horse contender.Adam Scott (Rank: 8)
Adam Scott's recent form has been stellar, with a pair of top-4 finishes. His leadership in strokes gained approach and second place in par-3 scoring make him a force to be reckoned with. His performance at Aronimink in 2018 further cements his status as a contender.Xander Schauffele (Rank: 9)
Xander Schauffele's recent form has been impressive, with five top-12 finishes since Pebble Beach. However, his struggles at Quail Hollow and the par-3s could be a concern. His performance at Aronimink in 2018 and the model's favorability add an intriguing dynamic to his chances.Rickie Fowler (Rank: 10)
Rickie Fowler's iron play has been elite, with three straight top-10s on the Tour. His putting has been consistent, and his top-10 finish at Aronimink in 2018 further enhances his credentials. His current form makes him a player to watch.
The Long Shots
Collin Morikawa (Rank: 11)
Collin Morikawa's recent form has been mixed, with a T-7 at the Masters and a T-4 at the RBC Heritage. His putter could be a concern, but his overall performance makes him a contender. If he's healthy, he'll be a force to be reckoned with.Jake Knapp (Rank: 12)
Jake Knapp's solo 11th at the Masters showcases his potential. Top 10 in total driving and strokes gained putting, he's a lethal combination. While he's yet to make a cut in two career PGA starts, his performance at the Masters gives him a fighting chance.Brooks Koepka (Rank: 13)
Brooks Koepka's season-long stats might not tell the full story. His iron play and improving putter make him a contender. In a great headspace, he could be a dark horse, especially if his putter starts falling.Bryson DeChambeau (Rank: 14)
Bryson DeChambeau's return to form at LIV Virginia is encouraging. His top 4 finishes in four of his last five PGA starts make him a player to watch. However, the noise surrounding him, both on and off the course, could be a distraction.Patrick Cantlay (Rank: 15)
Patrick Cantlay's recent form has been impressive, with four straight top-12 finishes. His waywardness off the tee is mitigated by his top 20 strokes gained off the tee ranking. His performance on the par-3s and chips make him a contender.
The Long Shots and Club Pros
Si Woo Kim (Rank: 16)
Si Woo Kim's statistical favorability going into majors is intriguing. His elite approach numbers make him a contender, but his lack of major contention and recent performance at Quail Hollow could be a concern.Thomas Detry (Rank: 17)
Thomas Detry's strong play for low LIV player and top 10 finishes in four of his last five LIV appearances make him a contender. His performance at the 2024 PGA at Valhalla further enhances his credentials.Min Woo Lee (Rank: 18)
Min Woo Lee's top 10 in total driving and lack of glaring weaknesses make him a contender. His strong finish at Truist for a second straight top-20 finish adds to his credentials.Alex Smalley (Rank: 19)
Alex Smalley's top 10 on Tour in proximity and trending, along with seven top-25s in his last nine starts, make him a contender. His performance in three career PGAs further enhances his chances.Russell Henley (Rank: 20)
Russell Henley's iron play has been solid, with one of his best iron weeks at the Masters and a T-3 finish. His overall performance and top-20 finish in a dozen career PGA starts make him a contender.
The Long Shots and Club Pros
Tyrrell Hatton (Rank: 21)
Tyrrell Hatton's consistency in majors since joining LIV, including a T-3 at the Masters, makes him a contender. His performance at Aronimink in 2018 further enhances his credentials.Sudarshan Yellamaraju (Rank: 22)
Sudarshan Yellamaraju's long-iron play is exceptional, and his total driving ranking is impressive. While he lacks experience, his performance in other categories makes him a contender.Alex Fitzpatrick (Rank: 23)
Alex Fitzpatrick's hot hand and leadership in strokes gained off the tee make him a dark horse. While he lacks rounds to qualify, his recent form is impressive.Nicolai Højgaard (Rank: 24)
Nicolai Højgaard's recent form has been strong, with a pair of runners-up in his last five starts. His above-average statistical performance and iron play make him a contender.Tommy Fleetwood (Rank: 25)
Tommy Fleetwood's T-5 at Truist and fifth top-10 in his last nine starts make him a contender. While he has only one career top-15 at the PGA, his performance at Aronimink in 2018 adds an intriguing dynamic.
The Long Shots and Club Pros
Viktor Hovland (Rank: 26)
Viktor Hovland's consistency in majors, with just four missed cuts in his career, makes him a contender. His top 30 finishes in four of his last five and T-33 or better in five of six career PGA starts further enhance his credentials.Chris Gotterup (Rank: 27)
Chris Gotterup's T-14 at Quail gives him momentum, and his top 10 in strokes gained off the tee is impressive. While he needs to improve his long-iron play, his putting has been sneaky good.Sepp Straka (Rank: 28)
Sepp Straka's par-3 scoring and approach proximity from outside 200 yards make him a contender. While he folded after an opening 66 at Truist, his overall performance is promising.Hideki Matsuyama (Rank: 29)
Hideki Matsuyama's long-iron play and par-3 scoring make him a contender. While he's fallen off since his T-12 at the Masters, his performance at Truist and overall skills make him a dark horse.Akshay Bhatia (Rank: 30)
Akshay Bhatia's approach play and scrambling skills make him a contender. While his driving has been a struggle and his putter was 49th in strokes gained putting at Truist, his overall performance is promising.
The Long Shots and Club Pros
31-40: This group includes players like Maverick McNealy, Shane Lowry, and Nick Taylor, who are long shots but have the potential to make an impact.
41-50: Players like Jacob Bridgeman and Robert MacIntyre are long shots but have the skills to contend.
51-60: This group includes players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Smith, who are long shots but have the potential to make an impact.
61-70: Players like Justin Rose and Jordan Spieth are long shots but have the skills to contend.
71-80: This group includes players like Rasmus Højgaard and Sam Stevens, who are long shots but have the potential to make an impact.
81-90: Players like Max McGreevy and Chris Kirk are long shots but have the skills to contend.
91-100: This group includes players like Max Homa and Sungjae Im, who are long shots but have the potential to make an impact.
101-110: Players like Rico Hoey and Lucas Glover are long shots but have the skills to contend.
111-120: This group includes players like Johnny Keefer and Mikael Lindberg, who are long shots but have the potential to make an impact.
121-130: Players like Ian Holt and Kota Kaneko are long shots but have the skills to contend.
131-140: This group includes players like Pádraig Harrington and Luke Donald, who are long shots but have the potential to make an impact.
141-156: This group includes club pros and amateurs who are long shots but have the potential to make an impact.
In conclusion, the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club promises to be an enthralling major. With a wide-open field and a course designed to reward complete players, the excitement is palpable. While the top contenders have the skills and form to contend, the long shots and club pros have the potential to make an impact. As the tournament unfolds, the question remains: Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but the journey promises to be a captivating one.
