Smalley leads 2026 PGA Championship into final round at Aronimink

Alex Smalley enters the final round of the 2026 PGA Championship with a solitary two-shot lead, having maintained his position atop the leaderboard for the past two days. Following a sixth-under-par 68 on Saturday, Smalley sits at 6 under par, creating a margin that remains precarious given the depth of talent in the field. The defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, is scheduled to tee off 2.5 hours before the final pairing, aiming to set a formidable target for the pursuing group.

The final pairing sees Smalley taking on Matti Schmid at 2:35 p.m. ET, with both players seeking their first major title in what could prove to be a decisive moment for their careers. Behind them, the chase pack is structured to apply incremental pressure, beginning with Jon Rahm and Nick Taylor teeing off at 2:25 p.m. ET in the penultimate group.

Ludvig Åberg and Aaron Rai are set to play at 2:15 p.m. ET, followed by the marquee pairing of Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 2:05 p.m. ET. This specific grouping is noted for receiving a 30-minute head start relative to the leaders, a strategic timing intended to force the front runners to manage their pace and score against an active threat.

Earlier in the day, other notable pairings include Hideki Matsuyama with Chris Gotterup, as well as Sam Burns and Brooks Koepka. These groupings are expected to influence the leaderboard dynamics as the day progresses, potentially setting the stage for the late-round drama at Aronimink Golf Club.

The tournament purse features a substantial winner’s share, adding significant weight to the final round outcomes. As the field navigates the challenging layout in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, the focus remains on whether any contender can overcome Smalley’s cushion to claim the 2026 PGA Championship title.