Newcomers Smalley and McNealy share PGA Championship lead at Aronimink

Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy have shared the lead at the PGA Championship after two rounds, both finishing at 4-under par 136. The result marks the first time the tournament has been held at Aronimink Golf Club in 64 years, and the score represents the highest 36-hole total to lead the event since 2012 at Kiawah Island, where the leader finished at 4-under 140.

Smalley, competing in only his fifth major championship, shot a 1-under 69. He overcame three consecutive bogeys on the back nine but recovered to close with a birdie. McNealy, who had never previously finished in the top 25 of a major through 36 holes, posted a 67 but lost ground with a pair of late bogeys.

The field remains exceptionally compact, with the difference between first place and the lowest position in the leading group sitting at just eight shots. This margin is notably tight for a major tournament. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler sits two shots behind the leaders, while Masters champion Rory McIlroy is five shots back.

McIlroy shot a bogey-free 67 but found himself outside the top 25 after two rounds. Other contenders in the mix include Chris Gotterup, who recorded the tournament’s best single round with a five-under 65, Hideki Matsuyama, and Justin Thomas. Gotterup also highlighted the aggressive pin placements, particularly on the 14th hole, as a key challenge.

Course conditions at Aronimink shifted significantly throughout the day, described as cold and blustery in the morning before the greens became faster by the minute in the late afternoon. Scheffler acknowledged that strategic play and avoiding the rough will be critical as the tournament progresses into the weekend.