The 2026 PGA Championship is upon us, and the stage is set for an intriguing showdown at Aronimink Golf Club. With the world's top players gathering, the question on everyone's mind is: Who can stop Scottie Scheffler's dominant run? The 2022 champion has been on an unstoppable streak, but can he maintain his form at this prestigious event? Let's delve into the analysis and explore the possibilities.
The Dominant Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one-ranked player, has been on a tear lately. In his last three starts, he's been defeated by just two players in regulation, both in runner-up finishes at major and signature events. His performance at the Masters, where he finished T-22, raises questions about his consistency. However, his overall record speaks for itself, and he's a force to be reckoned with.
What makes Scheffler's dominance even more impressive is his ability to perform under pressure. With a Round 1 scoring average that ranks 77th on the PGA Tour, he needs better starts to truly shine. But his fellow competitors know that, despite his recent close calls, there's still plenty of room for improvement this week.
The Contenders
Cameron Young
Cameron Young, a big-hitting Northeast native, is making waves on the PGA Tour. After winning The Players and the Cadillac Championship, he's asserted himself as a top-five player in the world. His ability to close deals is a stark contrast to his previous struggles with seven runner-up finishes. Young's recent form suggests he's ready to make a move at the PGA Championship.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, is the only player still eligible for the elusive single-season grand slam. With three majors remaining, he's a force to be reckoned with. His recent form, however, has been a bit up and down, with a T-47 finish at this tournament last year. McIlroy's motivation after his Masters victory could be a dangerous warning shot for the rest of the field.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick, the 85th-ranked player in the world, is on a resurgence. After a strong performance at Quail Hollow, he's now in the top five. His ability to bounce back from a slow start is a testament to his resilience. Fitzpatrick's recent wins and top-10 finishes make him a dark horse contender at the PGA Championship.
The Longshots
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm, a member of the LIV Golf tour, is experiencing rough seas. Despite his past successes, including two wins and five top-fives at majors from 2021-2023, Rahm hasn't had a major finish better than seventh since leaving for LIV. His recent struggles, including a disappointing T-38 at the Masters, make him a longshot contender this week.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele, a consistent performer with a dozen top-10 results in 27 major starts, is flying under the radar. With players like Young and Fitzpatrick excelling, Schauffele is getting closer to his 2024 level. His ability to compete against the best makes him a contender to watch.
The Underdogs
Chris Gotterup
Chris Gotterup, a no-nonsense ball-striker, has been on a roll with four wins in the past 24 months. His ability to perform against the best players, including beating Scheffler by double-digits in the opening round in Phoenix, makes him a dark horse contender.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood, known for going low at majors, has a strong connection to Aronimink. His course record-tying rounds in the past make him a strong fit for this venue. Fleetwood's recent form, including a T-5 finish at the Truist Championship, adds to his credentials.
The Veterans
Ludvig Åberg
Ludvig Åberg, a YouTube star, is in a position that suggests his personal brand might be more important than ever. A Pinehurst-like performance could boost his Q rating, but he'll need to overcome challenges at Aronimink. His recent form, including two close calls, should steel him for similar situations.
Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau, a LIV Golf member, is a riddle wrapped in an enigma. His recent performance, including a T-12 finish at the Masters, raises questions about his health and form. Despite his struggles, he remains a contender with his unique approach to the game.
The Underrated
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa, a persevering player, has had a tough time with injuries. His recent form, including a T-7 finish at the Masters and a T-4 at the RBC Heritage, makes him a contender to watch. Morikawa's ability to overcome adversity is a testament to his resilience.
Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas, a five-time major champion, is looking to become the seventh player with at least three PGA Championship titles. His recent form, including a top 10 finish at The Players, makes him a contender to watch.
The Long-Shot Contenders
Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, is making a comeback on the PGA Tour. His recent form, including a T-11 finish at Myrtle Beach, makes him a contender to watch. Koepka's tee-to-green game is once again looking world-class, and his putter will be the key to his contention.
Patrick Cantlay
Patrick Cantlay, ranked outside the world's top 30, has been on a roll with four consecutive top-12 results. His ball-striking numbers have been impressive, and he fits the profile as a borderline longshot play. Cantlay's recent form, including a T-12 finish at the Masters, is a bright spot.
Robert MacIntyre
Robert MacIntyre, a Scotsman with a reputation for playing his best golf at the biggest events, is a contender to watch. His recent form, including a runner-up result at Oakmont for the U.S. Open, makes him a dark horse.
The Veterans' Comeback
Rickie Fowler
Rickie Fowler, a veteran with three consecutive top-10 results, has been playing at an extremely high level recently. His experience at Aronimink, including T-13 and T-8 finishes in 2011 and '18, makes him a contender to watch.
Russell Henley
Russell Henley, who has never posted a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship in a dozen career starts, is an underdog to watch. His recent form, including a T-3 finish at the Masters, makes him a dark horse contender.
The Long-Shot Contenders
Adam Scott
Adam Scott, a 45-year-old Australian, is a longshot contender. His recent form, including a T-24 finish at the Masters, makes him a dark horse. Scott's ability to perform under pressure is a testament to his resilience.
Tyrrell Hatton
Tyrrell Hatton, a member of the LIV Golf tour, is one of the game's more entertaining players. His emotional outbursts and unique approach to the game make him a longshot contender. Hatton's ability to perform under pressure is a testament to his resilience.
The Underdogs' Comeback
Sepp Straka
Sepp Straka, an Austrian-Georgia-Alabama native, is a dark horse contender. His recent form, including four results of 13th or better in his last nine events, makes him a contender to watch. Straka's iron play has been impressive, and he's trending in the right direction.
Patrick Reed
Patrick Reed, a DP World Tour member, is a longshot contender. His recent form, including a T-12 finish at Augusta National, makes him a dark horse. Reed's ability to focus on the majors while biding his time is a testament to his resilience.
The Underrated's Comeback
J.J. Spaun
J.J. Spaun, a West Coast native, is a dark horse contender. His recent form, including a T-5 finish at the Truist Championship, makes him a contender to watch. Spaun's ability to find his game again is a testament to his resilience.
Si Woo Kim
Si Woo Kim, a two-time PGA Tour winner, is a contender to watch. His recent form, including four top-fives and six top-10s, makes him a dark horse. Kim's ability to bounce back from struggles is a testament to his resilience.
The Underdogs' Comeback
Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian with a happy-go-lucky attitude, is a longshot contender. His recent form, including a T-2 finish at the Valero, makes him a dark horse. Hovland's ability to perform under pressure is a testament to his resilience.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama, a Japanese player, is a riddle wrapped in an enigma. His recent form, including a T-12 finish at the Masters, raises questions about his health and form. Despite his struggles, he remains a contender with his unique approach to the game.
The Veterans' Comeback
Justin Rose
Justin Rose, an English veteran, is a longshot contender. His recent form, including a T-45 finish at the Truist Championship, raises questions about his performance. Rose's decision to change his clubs before the second major championship is alarming.
Keegan Bradley
Keegan Bradley, a U.S. Ryder Cup captain, is a dark horse contender. His recent form, including a T-19 finish at the Truist Championship, makes him a contender to watch. Bradley's ability to bounce back from a slow start is a testament to his resilience.
The Underdogs' Comeback
Jordan Spieth
Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion, is a weekly meme. His recent form, including a T-52 finish at the Truist Championship, raises questions about his performance. Spieth's ability to bounce back from struggles is a testament to his resilience.
Stewart Cink
Stewart Cink, a PGA Tour Champions-eligible player, is a dark horse contender. His recent form, including four victories in nine starts on the senior circuit, makes him a contender to watch. Cink's dominance on the senior circuit is a testament to his resilience.
As the 2026 PGA Championship unfolds, the stage is set for an intriguing showdown. With the world's top players gathering, the question on everyone's mind is: Who can stop Scottie Scheffler's dominant run? The contenders, underdogs, and longshots are all ready to make their move, and the stage is set for an unforgettable championship.
