2026 PGA Championship: Five golfers identified as potential long-shot winners at Aronimink

The 2026 PGA Championship is set to take place at Aronimink, just outside Philadelphia, marking the second major of the season. The tournament will feature a combined field of PGA Tour and LIV Golf players, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. While star names dominate the headlines, analysis suggests that the Wanamaker Trophy has historically been won by long shots, with past winners including Shaun Micheel, Y.E. Yang, and Jimmy Walker.

CBS Sports has identified five specific golfers as potential sleepers for the event, noting that the venue profiles as a second-shot course where the greens present the primary challenge. The analysis focuses on players who have demonstrated strong ball-striking and positive performance on the greens during the 2026 season, suggesting they could capitalise on the course's specific design characteristics. Aronimink is not a frequently used venue, having previously hosted the 2018 BMW Championship, but its infrequent use and specific layout favour certain playing styles.

Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the defending champion, coming off three consecutive runner-up finishes. He aims to become the third player to win back-to-back PGA Championships. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy is targeting back-to-back wins in the first two majors of the season. Their presence adds significant weight to the field, yet the narrative also highlights those further down the odds sheet hoping to add their names to the list of surprise winners.

Rickie Fowler is highlighted specifically for his strong play this season, with the narrative suggesting he is a threat to finally capture a major championship. His consistent form positions him as a key contender amidst the star-studded lineup. Additionally, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are attempting to regain their status as top contenders. They are looking to shake off a rough Masters and the noise surrounding LIV Golf's future to remind everyone they belong in the conversation with the best in the world.

Cameron Young has also entered the chat as a threat every time he tees it up. He will look to cement his place as one of the best with his first major win. The focus remains on those who have had strong ball-striking seasons and have been positive on the greens in 2026. These five fit the criteria for potential sleepers and could find their way into contention on Sunday in Philly.

While the tournament profile suggests that while star names are the focus, surprise winners are common at this venue, the uncertainty of the outcome remains high. The combined field creates a competitive environment where established stars and emerging threats alike must navigate the greenside challenges to secure victory.