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Alex Smalley Holds Two-Shot PGA Lead, Scheffler Trails

5/17/2026

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Summary

Smalley Leads PGA

Alex Smalley led the PGA Championship by two shots at 6-under 204 after a 2-under 68 on May 16, 2026.
He erased a three-over start with six birdies in ten holes, including a 25-foot 15th-hole putt.
Smalley was the only player under par all three rounds, while 22 competitors stayed within four shots.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 71, missed six short putts, and fell five shots behind the leader.

Summary

McIlroy Gains

Rory McIlroy said the early pin placements at Aronimink signaled a poor setup, joining Scottie Scheffler and Shane Lowry.
Tournament officials moved pins for round three, shifting the 13th tee box forward 91 yards to make it drivable.
Warmer Saturday weather helped players shoot lower scores while McIlroy’s strokes-gained off the tee climbed from 111th after round one to third after round three.

History

Historical Context

The 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink is referenced, yet the supplied Wikipedia extracts contain no information about this tournament, its venue, or any course-setup policies, leaving the article without verifiable historical background for the event and offering no context on how such adjustments have evolved in professional golf, or comparable changes in other major championships.

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Smalley Leads PGA

Alex Smalley led the PGA Championship by two shots at 6-under 204 after a 2-under 68 on May 16, 2026.
He erased a three-over start with six birdies in ten holes, including a 25-foot 15th-hole putt.
Smalley was the only player under par all three rounds, while 22 competitors stayed within four shots.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 71, missed six short putts, and fell five shots behind the leader.

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