The 2026 PGA Championship is set to be a thrilling event, with a star-studded field and a challenging course in Aronimink Golf Club. The tournament promises to be a showcase of the world's best golfers, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. Here's a comprehensive ranking of the entire field, offering a glimpse into who might emerge as the champion.
Top Contenders
- Cameron Young - The current hotshot on the tour, Young has two wins and a T-3 finish at the Masters in his last five starts. His par-3 scoring prowess, coupled with top-5 strokes gained off the tee and proximity, makes him a strong bet for the major title.
- Scottie Scheffler - Despite being the reigning PGA champion, Scheffler's recent form has been less impressive. However, his iron play and strokes gained off the tee make him a consistent threat.
- Jon Rahm - Rahm's dominance on the LIV tour is undeniable, but his T-38 finish at the Masters raises questions about his major performance. His all-around skills and the course setup at Aronimink could be a perfect match.
Ludvig Åberg - Åberg's recent form is impressive, with top-5 finishes in four of his last six starts. His driving, proximity, and par-3 scoring make him a contender.
Rory McIlroy - McIlroy's driving prowess and strokes gained approach make him a force to be reckoned with. However, his inconsistent play at Quail Hollow and poor putting might be a concern.
Matthew Fitzpatrick - Fitzpatrick's recent wins and improving putting make him a dark horse contender.
Patrick Reed - Reed's driving accuracy and Augusta performance give him a chance to contend.
Adam Scott - Scott's strokes gained approach and par-3 scoring make him a consistent top-10 contender.
Xander Schauffele - Schauffele's recent form and history at Aronimink make him a strong pick.
Rickie Fowler - Fowler's elite iron play and top-10 finish at Aronimink in 2018 make him a contender.
Rising Stars and Dark Horses
- Collin Morikawa - Morikawa's recent T-7 at the Masters and T-4 at RBC Heritage make him a potential breakout star.
- Jake Knapp - Knapp's top-10 finishes in total driving and strokes gained putting make him a dark horse.
- Brooks Koepka - Koepka's high-level striking and improving putter make him a contender.
- Bryson DeChambeau - DeChambeau's recent form and LIV success make him a potential surprise package.
Long Shots and Dark Horses
- Patrick Cantlay - Cantlay's recent top-12 finishes and mitigating waywardness off the tee make him a contender.
- Si Woo Kim - Kim's statistical prowess and recent T-8 at the PGA make him a dark horse.
- Thomas Detry - Detry's strong play on the LIV tour and T-4 at the 2024 PGA make him a potential surprise.
The Rest of the Field
The remaining players, including Tyrrell Hatton, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, and many others, will also bring their unique skills and chances to the tournament. The challenge of Aronimink's course and the pressure of a major will bring out the best in these golfers, making the 2026 PGA Championship a thrilling spectacle.
