2026 PGA Championship Preview: What to Know Before Thursday
The second major of the year is almost here. Here's what you need to know.
The Masters feels like last week. Rory McIlroy in a second green jacket. The azaleas still fresh in our memory. But major season doesn't wait.
Thursday, the PGA Championship tees off at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. First major here in 64 years. The Wanamaker Trophy is up for grabs. And the field is loaded.
Here's your quick guide.
Where and When
Course: Aronimink Golf Club (Newtown Square, PA). A Donald Ross design from 1928. Par 70, 7,343 yards.
Dates: May 14–17, 2026 (practice rounds start May 11).
Defending champion: Scottie Scheffler (won by five strokes at Quail Hollow in 2025).
The Course
Donald Ross designed nearly 400 courses. He called only one his masterpiece: Aronimink.
It rewards precision over power. The fairways roll. The bunkers sit exactly where you don't want them. And the greens — classic Ross greens — demand thoughtful putting. Gil Hanse's recent renovation restored much of the original bite.
This is a major for shot‑makers, not just bombers.
The Favorites
Scottie Scheffler (+350) is the world No. 1 and the betting favorite. He's been knocking on the door all spring: three straight runner‑up finishes, including the Masters. He wants this one badly.
Rory McIlroy (+650) arrives as the Masters champion, having won back‑to‑back green jackets. He's the only player in the field with a chance at the calendar Grand Slam. If his putter stays warm, watch out.
Bryson DeChambeau (+1200) and Jon Rahm (+1200) are the other big names in the mix. Both have the power to tear up Aronimink's long par 4s.
Dark Horses
Aronimink rewards elite iron play. Keep an eye on:
Corey Conners (+6000) — one of the best iron players on Tour. When he's on, he can beat anyone.
Akshay Bhatia (+12000) — a breakout season. A win at Bay Hill, six top‑16 finishes in his last seven events. Ready for a major stage.
How to Watch
· Thursday–Friday: ESPN (noon ET)
· Saturday–Sunday: CBS (1 p.m. ET)
· Evening recaps: Golf Channel's "Live From the PGA Championship"
One Thing to Expect
Aronimink doesn't give away birdies. The first hole is a 434‑yard par‑4 that drops and then climbs. The 8th is a 242‑yard par‑3, one of the toughest on Tour. And the 10th forces a long carry over water.
Patience wins this week. So does trust in your equipment.
At Tiger Cliff, we don't predict winners. We just make the ball you can trust when you're standing over that approach on 18, with everything on the line.
The PGA Championship starts Thursday. The roars will follow.
—
Matt
Tiger Cliff Golf
P.S. New course. Loaded field. One trophy. Don't miss it.
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