A lot has happened since Rory McIlroy’s historic win at Augusta National last month.
Cameron Young’s name is now firmly in the hat as a major contender after his win at the Cadillac Championship, Scottie Scheffler made it a hat-trick of second-place finishes on tour, the Fitzpatricks have been an ever-present headline, and LIV Golf continues to spiral.
And through it all, we have arrived once again at an illustrious major week.
In fact, LIV’s headspin is cause for further fixation on the week ahead, with storylines emerging left, right and centre.
Brooks Koepka has recently spoken up about a refound happiness that stems from his return to professional golf on the PGA Tour, while Jon Rahm has made allowances to return to the Ryder Cup fold.
And yet Bryson DeChambeau, the pantomime villain or hero depending on which way you choose to look at it, remains adamant that his future is away from the biggest tour in golf.
The world’s numbers one and two, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, will aim to continue their golfing supremacy – as the former endeavors to defend his crown at Aronimink.
And spare a thought for Jordan Spieth, now 32 years old, who will hope to finally complete the coveted career grand slam following his last major win at the 2017 Open Championship.
But what of the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg, or America’s Chris Gotterup and Cameron Young? None are major winners, but all have the game and the form to suggest that they are in with a shout this week.
Here’s all you need to know about the field for the 2026 PGA Championship, and the hosting Aronimink Golf Club.
The Course
Aronimink Golf Club dates back to 1896, and is named after the leader of a local Native American tribe.
What began as a nomadic club eventually found its home in West Philadelphia, 32 years after its conception.
It has since gone on to host a number of notable championships, starting with the 1962 PGA Championship won by Gary Player, and more recently hosting the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship won by Sei Young Kim.
Keegan Bradley and Justin Rose are amongst the eminent winners to have won on this course.
One of 410 Donald Ross designs, the Aronimink famously was the Scotsman’s masterpiece, where he “built better than I knew”.
This week the par-70 course plays at 7,394 yards, with large undulating greens that will record about 13.5 on the Stimpmeter.
In other words, putting will be extremely fast and slopey.
Par 4s on the back nine average about 30 yards longer than those on the front – calling for airtight strategies all the way round.
And to facilitate a grandstand finish, the 490-yard par-4 18th hole climbs 30-feet from tee to green, with fairway bunkers that may result in 200-yard approaches into the final green.
While modern technology may nullify the threatening distances that the Aronimink lays out, accuracy off the tee is still important as ever for this week’s field.
The Field – who to look out for
14 former victors of the PGA Championship will be teeing it up on Thursday.
Recent winners like Scheffler, McIlroy (x2), Koepka (x3), and Justin Thomas (x2) will of course be there, but also the names of old such as Padraig Harrington, Shaun Micheel, and Y.E. Yang.
Phil Mickelson had to withdraw for personal matters, while an out-of-form Max Homa comes in to replace him.
Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose will lead the way for an English collective looking to end a 107-year wait for an English winner at this particular event, after Jim Barnes won the opening two tournaments in 1916 and 1919.
Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau spearhead a group of 11 LIV players, including Tyrell Hatton, Dustin Johnson, Cam Smith and the 2010 champion Martin Kaymer.
Perhaps the most feel-good storyline this week comes from Jordan Spieth, who continues his search for the major that would complete his career grand slam. While a recent T12 at The Masters stands him in good stead, he’s tipped to win at 66/1 by Betway.
Unsurprisingly, Scheffler and McIlroy top the list of odds, with Cam Young, Jon Rahm, and Ludvig Aberg rounding off the top 5.
YOU CAN READ THE FULL LIST OF LATEST BETWAY ODDS HERE
Related: The Weekend Roundup: comebacks and close calls in the world of golf
