Full Breakdown
2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink: Course, Field and Stakes
5/12/2026, 5:08:58 AM
Aronimink Hosts the 108th PGA Championship
The PGA of America staged its 108th championship from May 14-17, 2026 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The Donald Ross-designed layout returns to a major for the first time since 1962. The tournament field comprised 156 players, including 14 former PGA champions, 31 major winners and 20 PGA-of-America club professionals.
Course Design and Playing Conditions
Aronimink is defined by its expansive, heavily contoured greens and a perimeter of roughly 180 bunkers. Players described the greens as “mounded and hilly” with severe slopes that demand precise distance control on approach shots. Early practice rounds saw temperatures near 60 °F, with forecasts calling for highs in the mid-80s by Sunday.
Field Composition and Notable Contenders
Defending champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler entered as the +480 favorite, seeking the first back-to-back PGA titles since Brooks Koepka (2018-19). Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion, was the second-most-betting favorite (+850). Other leading names included Cameron Young, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth, Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, and Justin Thomas.
Data and Statistics
- Field size: reported as 156 players (some sources list 154).
- Major pedigree: 14 PGA champions, 31 major winners.
- Course features: 180 bunkers, multiple greens with slopes exceeding 2 ft.
- Odds (BetMGM, 9 a.m. ET): Scheffler +450, McIlroy +850, Young +1 200, Rahm +1 600.
Official Statements & Player Perspectives
Players emphasized the greens as the tournament’s decisive factor. Keegan Bradley noted that while tee shots are “not extremely challenging,” the “greens get really crazy” and require exact placement. Jordan Spieth stressed a disciplined game plan, saying the easiest path to victory is to “not try to” overthink each shot. Matt Fitzpatrick highlighted the “severe” green complexes and the importance of pin placement. Rory McIlroy added that the course “fits my game pretty well” with ample opportunities for drivers and wedges on the front nine.
Criticism and Concerns
Several participants warned that the steeply sloped greens could penalize mis-hits, potentially turning short-game rounds into “unbearably slow” affairs. Weather volatility in May—ranging from cool mornings to possible thunderstorms—was also cited as a factor that could affect scoring conditions.
On-the-Ground Observations
During Monday’s practice, Justin Thomas placed hole-sized discs on every corner of the 17th green to simulate putting challenges. He described practice rounds as “the most miserable ever” and “unbearably slow.” Spectators reported crowded grandstands and a fan zone featuring a replica Wanamaker Trophy, underscoring the event’s local draw.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Field size: PGA of America announced 156 entrants; Golfweek listed 154.
- Weather outlook: AccuWeather projected mid-60s with showers, while the National Weather Service forecast highs of 70 °F on Thursday and mid-80s by Sunday.
- Major-winner count: Sources differ on the exact number of past major champions in the field (14 PGA champions vs. 31 total major winners).
Verbatim Quotes
- “But the greens get really crazy, and they are really mounded and hilly just like a lot of Northeast courses.” — Keegan Bradley, 2018 BMW Championship winner
- “If I can win one more tournament in my life, it would obviously be this one for that reason. But the easiest way to do that is to not try to, in a weird way, you know. Just go out and get ready for the first hole, get a good game plan in and attack it the way it needs to be attacked.” — Jordan Spieth, career-Grand-Slam contender
- “It will be interesting to see where obviously the pins get put.” — Matt Fitzpatrick, 2022 U.S. Open champion
- “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, 2025 Masters champion
- “I think we’re looking pretty good,” — John Feerick, senior meteorologist, AccuWeather
What’s Next
Round 1 begins Thursday, followed by rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and Saturday, and the final round on Sunday. CBS and ESPN will provide television and streaming coverage, with Jim Nantz leading CBS’s 36th consecutive PGA broadcast. The outcome will determine whether Scheffler repeats, Spieth completes a career Grand Slam, or a new champion emerges from the deep field.
