Smalley seizes PGA Championship lead as Aronimink leaderboard remains volatile
Thirteen players held the lead during Saturday’s third round, with Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm among those in contention as the field tightens at the 2026 PGA Championship.
Alex Smalley has taken a two-shot lead at the 2026 PGA Championship, moving to 6 under par after carding a 2-under 68 on Saturday at Aronimink Golf Course. The American golfer, who has not previously won on the PGA Tour, extended his advantage in a third round characterised by significant volatility, with 13 different players holding the lead at various points.
Smalley’s round saw him move from a shared position to an outright lead, joining Ludvig Åberg, Matti Schmid, Nick Taylor, Aaron Rai, and Jon Rahm in the chase pack at 4 under par. The congestion on the leaderboard has created a historic deadlock, marking the largest group tied for a major championship lead since the 1933 British Open.
Rory McIlroy has mounted a significant recovery, moving to 3 under par after shooting a 4-under 66. The Northern Irishman began the tournament with a four-over 74 on Thursday, placing him outside the top 100, but has since posted back-to-back rounds of 67 and 66. McIlroy acknowledged he made mistakes on the final three holes that prevented him from reaching 5 under par, but remains confident in his chances.
Jon Rahm, the betting favourite at 9/2, briefly held the lead before falling out of the top spot following a three-putt from 31 feet on the 18th hole. The Spaniard hit 15 greens in regulation during his 3-under 67, but late hiccups on the greens have tempered expectations for a major championship victory.
Scottie Scheffler faces a steeper challenge, dropping to 1 under par and a tie for 23rd after missing six putts from inside 10 feet in the third round. The world number one was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving him five shots off the lead as the field prepares for Sunday’s final round.
Smalley referenced a personal connection to the Wanamaker Trophy, noting he stayed in the Wanamaker dorm during his college years. He described the lead as a dream scenario, joking with his parents that the tournament might be destined for him due to that association.
Other notable contenders include Xander Schauffele, who sits at 3 under par after matching McIlroy’s round of 66, and Patrick Reed, who is also at 3 under after finding a consistent swing feel. Cameron Gotterup and Tommy Rose remain in the mix, with Rose highlighting the performance of his new irons after securing six birdies.
Joaquin Niemann, listed at 51-1 odds, has struck the ball well throughout the week and made key putts on the 15th and 16th holes to keep himself in contention. With 30 players within five shots of the lead, the final round promises a tight contest as the field looks to capitalise on the conditions at Aronimink.
