PGA Championship Preview: Everything You Need To Know
The second major championship of the 2026 golf season has officially arrived, and the spotlight now turns to historic Aronimink Golf Club as the world’s best players prepare to battle for the Wanamaker Trophy at the 2026 PGA Championship.
Headlining the field is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who enters the week as the clear betting favorite after another dominant stretch of golf. Scheffler captured the PGA Championship title last season at Quail Hollow and followed it up with a runner-up finish at the 2026 Masters. Oddsmakers have installed him around +450 entering the week, continuing a streak where he has become the favorite nearly every time he tees it up.
Right behind Scheffler on the odds board is Rory McIlroy, who comes into the championship fresh off another Masters victory earlier this season. McIlroy already owns two PGA Championship victories and is chasing his seventh career major title this week. His combination of experience, power, and recent form makes him one of the biggest threats at Aronimink.
One of the hottest players entering the tournament, however, may be Cameron Young. Young has quickly turned into one of the most dangerous players on Tour in 2026, highlighted by victories at both the Players Championship and the Cadillac Championship. He also finished tied for third at Augusta, and many analysts believe his all-around game fits Aronimink perfectly. His recent consistency, elite tee-to-green play, and strong scoring numbers have pushed him firmly into the top tier of contenders this week.
The next group of favorites features two of LIV Golf’s biggest stars: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. Rahm enters the week around +1400, while DeChambeau sits near +1800. Both players possess the length and creativity needed to attack Aronimink’s demanding layout, although accuracy and course management could prove just as important as power this week.
Aronimink itself is expected to be one of the biggest storylines of the championship. Originally designed by legendary architect Donald Ross, the Pennsylvania course has long been viewed as one of Ross’ greatest creations. In fact, Ross once famously referred to Aronimink as his “masterpiece.”
The course will play as a 7,394-yard par 70 and features some of the most difficult par 4s players will see all season. Extensive restorations in recent years restored much of the course’s original character, including expanding the bunker count to a staggering 174 bunkers spread throughout the property.
Unlike some modern setups that reward pure distance, Aronimink is expected to emphasize precision. Thick rough, narrow fairways, severe green complexes, and strategic bunkering will force players to carefully manage their way around the course. Missing fairways could create major problems throughout the week, especially with long iron approaches into elevated greens.
Several holes could end up defining the tournament. The short par-3 fifth is a classic Donald Ross design, featuring deep front bunkers and deceptive green contours that place a premium on distance control. Meanwhile, the drivable par-4 13th could create dramatic momentum swings late in rounds, especially if tournament officials move the tees forward over the weekend.
Weather could also become a factor early in the week, with rain expected to soften conditions before the opening rounds. Softer fairways may allow players to attack more aggressively, potentially leading to lower scores than a traditional major championship setup.
Beyond the favorites, several value names are generating attention entering the week. Russell Henley has become a popular sleeper pick thanks to his elite driving accuracy and recent major championship performances, while Ludvig Åberg continues to establish himself as one of the sport’s rising stars after multiple top finishes this season.
With a stacked field, a historic venue, and several of golf’s biggest stars entering in peak form, the 2026 PGA Championship has all the ingredients for a memorable major championship week.
Head over to the Premium page for all of SteadyPicks best bets for the PGA Championship.
Headlining the field is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who enters the week as the clear betting favorite after another dominant stretch of golf. Scheffler captured the PGA Championship title last season at Quail Hollow and followed it up with a runner-up finish at the 2026 Masters. Oddsmakers have installed him around +450 entering the week, continuing a streak where he has become the favorite nearly every time he tees it up.
Right behind Scheffler on the odds board is Rory McIlroy, who comes into the championship fresh off another Masters victory earlier this season. McIlroy already owns two PGA Championship victories and is chasing his seventh career major title this week. His combination of experience, power, and recent form makes him one of the biggest threats at Aronimink.
One of the hottest players entering the tournament, however, may be Cameron Young. Young has quickly turned into one of the most dangerous players on Tour in 2026, highlighted by victories at both the Players Championship and the Cadillac Championship. He also finished tied for third at Augusta, and many analysts believe his all-around game fits Aronimink perfectly. His recent consistency, elite tee-to-green play, and strong scoring numbers have pushed him firmly into the top tier of contenders this week.
The next group of favorites features two of LIV Golf’s biggest stars: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. Rahm enters the week around +1400, while DeChambeau sits near +1800. Both players possess the length and creativity needed to attack Aronimink’s demanding layout, although accuracy and course management could prove just as important as power this week.
Aronimink itself is expected to be one of the biggest storylines of the championship. Originally designed by legendary architect Donald Ross, the Pennsylvania course has long been viewed as one of Ross’ greatest creations. In fact, Ross once famously referred to Aronimink as his “masterpiece.”
The course will play as a 7,394-yard par 70 and features some of the most difficult par 4s players will see all season. Extensive restorations in recent years restored much of the course’s original character, including expanding the bunker count to a staggering 174 bunkers spread throughout the property.
Unlike some modern setups that reward pure distance, Aronimink is expected to emphasize precision. Thick rough, narrow fairways, severe green complexes, and strategic bunkering will force players to carefully manage their way around the course. Missing fairways could create major problems throughout the week, especially with long iron approaches into elevated greens.
Several holes could end up defining the tournament. The short par-3 fifth is a classic Donald Ross design, featuring deep front bunkers and deceptive green contours that place a premium on distance control. Meanwhile, the drivable par-4 13th could create dramatic momentum swings late in rounds, especially if tournament officials move the tees forward over the weekend.
Weather could also become a factor early in the week, with rain expected to soften conditions before the opening rounds. Softer fairways may allow players to attack more aggressively, potentially leading to lower scores than a traditional major championship setup.
Beyond the favorites, several value names are generating attention entering the week. Russell Henley has become a popular sleeper pick thanks to his elite driving accuracy and recent major championship performances, while Ludvig Åberg continues to establish himself as one of the sport’s rising stars after multiple top finishes this season.
With a stacked field, a historic venue, and several of golf’s biggest stars entering in peak form, the 2026 PGA Championship has all the ingredients for a memorable major championship week.
Head over to the Premium page for all of SteadyPicks best bets for the PGA Championship.
