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McIlroy Leads Pin Protest, Posts 66, Trails Leaders

5/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Players, led by Rory McIlroy, condemned the PGA Championship’s pin placements at Aronimink as impossible.
McIlroy posted a bogey-free 67 in round two to make the cut and a 66 in round three, leaving him one shot behind the leaders.
He said relaxing his right shoulder and adjusting to wind made pars easy but birdies hard, keeping him within striking distance of the lead for a seventh major.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1916 by the PGA of America to give pros a major of their own, the PGA Championship shifted to a May slot in 2019 after decades in August. At the 2026 edition at Aronimink Club, Rory McIlroy and peers echoed earlier Whistling Straits protests, demanding the PGA of America revise pin-placement rules.

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Story summary

Players, led by Rory McIlroy, condemned the PGA Championship’s pin placements at Aronimink as impossible.
McIlroy posted a bogey-free 67 in round two to make the cut and a 66 in round three, leaving him one shot behind the leaders.
He said relaxing his right shoulder and adjusting to wind made pars easy but birdies hard, keeping him within striking distance of the lead for a seventh major.

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