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PGA Championship: Top Contenders to Watch at Aronimink

The 2026 PGA Championship begins this week at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, with Rory McIlroy arriving as one of the favorites after winning back-to-back Masters titles earlier this season. The second major championship of the year features many of the top players in the world, including defending PGA champion Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa, and Jordan Spieth.

Aronimink returns as the PGA Championship host for the first time since 1962. The Donald Ross-designed course outside Philadelphia is expected to reward strong iron play, controlled driving, and precise approach shots. Thick, rough, long par-threes and difficult greens are expected to shape the tournament throughout the week.

McIlroy, who finished his final PGA Championship tune-up at the Truist Championship, said he already made an early scouting trip to Aronimink ahead of the major.

“I’m excited for it,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “I think it fits my game pretty well. It seems like there’s going to be a lot of drivers, a lot of wedges, especially on the front nine.”

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler Lead PGA Championship Field

GettyRory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Scottie Scheffler of the United States

McIlroy and Scheffler enter the week as the two biggest names in the field.

McIlroy won the Masters last month to secure his sixth major championship and second straight green jacket. He also used a late practice session at Quail Hollow to address a recurring left miss in his swing before posting a final-round 67 at the Truist Championship.

“I spent a good bit of time on the range last night just trying to straighten it out,” McIlroy said after the final round. “I hit the ball much better today.”

Scheffler, meanwhile, returns as the defending PGA Championship winner and continues to rank among the most consistent players on tour. Between them, McIlroy and Scheffler have won five of the last nine majors.

The course setup at Aronimink is expected to favor both players, given the emphasis on approach play and long-iron accuracy.

McIlroy also joked about his early practice visit to Aronimink after questions about his Masters preparation earlier this season.

“No, I lived there for a week. I just played it every day,” McIlroy said with a smile before clarifying he only made a one-day scouting trip.

Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick Bring Strong Form to Aronimink

GettyMatt Fitzpatrick of England

Justin Rose returns to a course where he already has a winning history.

Rose won the AT&T National at Aronimink in 2010 and also captured his only major title nearby at Merion Golf Club during the 2013 U.S. Open. The 45-year-old finished runner-up at Augusta earlier this year after briefly holding the lead during the final round.

However, Rose arrived with a notable equipment change after switching to McLaren Golf irons shortly before the PGA Championship.

Matt Fitzpatrick also enters the week in strong form.

The former U.S. Open champion has already won multiple PGA Tour events this season, including the RBC Heritage, where he defeated Scheffler in a playoff. Fitzpatrick also won the Zurich Classic alongside his brother Alex Fitzpatrick and finished runner-up at The Players Championship.

His recent consistency has pushed him back among the top players in the world, entering the second major of the year.

Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth Look to Add Major Titles

GettyJordan Spieth of the United States

Collin Morikawa remains one of the strongest iron players in golf and continues to perform well in major championships.

The two-time major winner finished tied for seventh at the Masters despite battling back issues and followed that performance with a tie for fourth at the RBC Heritage. Morikawa has now recorded 10 top-10 finishes in 25 career major starts.

Jordan Spieth enters the week chasing the career Grand Slam.

Spieth has not won on the PGA Tour since 2022, but signs of improvement have emerged this season. He posted a strong final round at Augusta and has recorded four top-12 finishes during the year.

“At his peak, there were few better with irons in hand,” the Press Association noted while previewing Spieth’s chances at Aronimink.

Other contenders entering the week include Cameron Young, who recently won the Cadillac Championship, Tyrrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre, and Justin Thomas.

The 108th PGA Championship begins May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.