Smalley holds slender lead as PGA Championship field converges for final round
The world No. 78 enters Sunday’s decider at Aronimink with a two-shot advantage over a crowded pack of contenders, including Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy.
The 2026 PGA Championship reaches its conclusion on Sunday at Aronimink Golf Club in Newton Square, Pennsylvania, with Alex Smalley positioned to defend a precarious two-shot lead. The world No. 78 enters the final round at 6 under par, having secured his position atop the leaderboard over the past two days through a resilient performance on Saturday.
Smalley’s round was characterised by a significant turnaround. After a slow start that saw him bogey four of the front nine holes, he surged back to birdie five of the back nine, finishing the day at 2 under par for a total of 68. This recovery has left him in a solid spot, though the margin remains thin given the depth of talent in the field.
A crowded group trails Smalley by two strokes, creating a complex dynamic for the final day. Jon Rahm, Ludvig Åberg, Matti Schmid, Nick Taylor, and Aaron Rai are tied for second, all within striking distance of the leader. The field’s density suggests that any lapse in concentration from Smalley could quickly shift the momentum.
Further back, a second tier of marquee players trails by three strokes. Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Reed, and Maverick McNealy are positioned to make a run if the leaders falter. Their presence adds another layer of pressure to the final round, with multiple threats capable of challenging for the title.
The scheduling of the final pairings is designed to heighten the tension. Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele are set to tee off at 2:05 p.m. ET, receiving a 30-minute head start relative to the leaders to create pressure on those ahead of them. Ludvig Åberg and Aaron Rai will follow at 2:15 p.m. ET. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is scheduled to tee off approximately 2.5 hours before the final leaders, at around 4:45 p.m. ET.
CBS Sports is employing a multi-platform broadcast strategy to cover the event, ensuring viewers can access the action across television and digital channels throughout the day. The final round promises to be a decisive contest as the horde of challengers closes in on Smalley’s lead.
