Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Alex Smalley Leads Tight Major Field After Round Three

5/17/2026

37 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Smalley Leads

Alex Smalley leads at 4-under after round three, with Maverick McNealy tied for second.
Fifty-eight players are within six shots and thirty are inside five strokes, the tightest major field since 2001.
Players say the pins are the hardest on the PGA Tour, comparable to U.S. Open setups, while wind and firm greens have limited birdies.
Organizers say the setup tests skill and compresses the leaderboard for Sunday.

Summary

Scheffler Odds

Round one of Sunday, May 17 starts at 7:40 a.m. ET on Tee #1 at Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA.
Leaders Alex Smalley (-6) and Matti Schmid (-4) tee off together at 2:35 p.m.
The round will be shown on national TV and streaming services, with a full broadcast schedule released.
Betting odds list Scottie Scheffler at +350, Cameron Young at +950, and Ludvig Åberg and Maverick McNealy at +1200.

History

Historical Context

The 2001 U.S. Open at Southern Hills, the 101st edition, ended in an 18-hole playoff that Retief Goosen won. Southern Hills has hosted eight men’s majors, cementing a reputation for demanding setups. The USGA’s strict pin placements intensify the challenge, and Aronimink’s 2024 PGA Championship echoes that legacy, with Alex Smalley leading under the tour’s toughest pins.

1 of 3

Smalley Leads

Alex Smalley leads at 4-under after round three, with Maverick McNealy tied for second.
Fifty-eight players are within six shots and thirty are inside five strokes, the tightest major field since 2001.
Players say the pins are the hardest on the PGA Tour, comparable to U.S. Open setups, while wind and firm greens have limited birdies.
Organizers say the setup tests skill and compresses the leaderboard for Sunday.

1 / 3