Smalley and McNealy Share Lead as Aronimink Produces Bunched PGA Field

After 36 holes, Alex Smalley (69) and Maverick McNealy (67) are tied at 4-under 136, the highest 36-hole lead since Kiawah Island 2012; the spread from first to last is eight strokes.

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

The PGA returns to Aronimink Golf Club, Pennsylvania, after 64 years; cold, windy mornings and fast, undulating greens produced large, “absurd” pin placements described as the toughest since U.S. Opens and Oakmont.

Smalley and McNealy lead the PGA, but Aronimink is the real leader so far

Smalley, a five-time top-25 finisher, and McNealy, a former No. 1 amateur, lead a field that includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Masters champion Rory McIlroy, 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, and round-of-the-day Chris Gotterup (65).

ESPN

Leaders: Smalley 69, McNealy 67 (4-under). Seven major champions within four shots. 58 players within six shots (Delco Times) vs. 29 within four shots (Sky Sports) – discrepancy. Cut set at 4-over 144; scoring average rose to 73.1.

Associated Press

The eight-shot spread makes the tournament highly volatile, keeping betting odds fluid and allowing both newcomers and seasoned champions a realistic chance.

New York Post

Scheffler called the pins “absurd” and the toughest since U.S. Opens. McIlroy noted the “bunched” leaderboard and praised his driver feel. Gotterup said putts were extremely hard. Matsuyama cited wind-assisted birdies. Smalley called the conditions “difficult.” McNealy expressed surprise at his position and the need to improve his putter.

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

Players condemned the “absurd” pin placements and the manufactured green slopes, saying they favored only precise shots and slowed play.

Smalley and McNealy lead the PGA, but Aronimink is the real leader so far

Sources differ on how many players are within striking distance (58 within six shots vs. 29 within four) and on the exact count of 2-under competitors.

PGA Championship: Rory McIlroy charges back into major contention as Scottie Scheffler stumbles and Bryson DeChambeau misses cut

• “Anyone who makes the cut, they’ve got to feel they have a shot in the tournament,” — Rory McIlroy, Masters champion

UsNews and World Report

• “A lot of really good moments, some not so great moments, and then a lot of just trying to keep moving forward in between,” — Alex Smalley, American

Smalley and McNealy lead the PGA, but Aronimink is the real leader so far

• “You just have to continue to try to hit good shots, and most of the pins today were, I mean, kind of absurd.” — Scottie Scheffler, world No. 1

Delaware County Daily Times

• “If you're in the right spot you can make a putt, but it's really hard to get it close,” — Chris Gotterup, American

Deadspin

• “My birdie putt hung on the lip for a while, and then the wind blew it in,” — Hideki Matsuyama, 2021 Masters champion

Deadspin

Round 3 starts Saturday; the tight leaderboard means any of the 58 contenders could surge for the Wanamaker Trophy.

Deadspin