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58 Players Near Lead; McNealy, Smalley Tie Championship

5/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

58 players were within six strokes of the lead at the PGA Championship’s halfway point, creating a tight leaderboard.
Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley tied for the 36-hole lead at Aronimink Golf Club, each four under, while Scottie Scheffler shot a one-over 71 to fall two strokes behind.
Rory McIlroy posted a bogey-free 67, moving to one over and remaining five strokes off the lead.

History

Historical Context

Pennsylvania’s major-golf legacy began with the 1965 PGA Championship at Laurel Valley, where Dave Marr won by two strokes in a tightly contested finish. That tradition of close leaderboards resurfaces at Aronimink Golf Club, the 2024 PGA venue where 58 players sit within six strokes after 36 holes, underscoring the state’s enduring role in dramatic majors.

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Story summary

58 players were within six strokes of the lead at the PGA Championship’s halfway point, creating a tight leaderboard.
Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley tied for the 36-hole lead at Aronimink Golf Club, each four under, while Scottie Scheffler shot a one-over 71 to fall two strokes behind.
Rory McIlroy posted a bogey-free 67, moving to one over and remaining five strokes off the lead.

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