Read GOLF’s Tour Confidential for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport. This week, with the PGA Championship at Aronimink, we’ll hit one key topic every night.
There’s just one round remaining in the 2026 PGA Championship, and through 54 holes Aronimink has produced what might be one of the most wide-open major Sundays we’ve seen in years. Alex Smalley, who is making his fifth major start and is winless on Tour, leads at six under, while five players — Matti Schmid, Nick Taylor, Jon Rahm, Aaron Rai and Ludvig Aberg — are two back at four under. Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele are only three off the lead, and 21 total players are within four shots of Smalley. Who wins Sunday?
Zephyr Melton, associate game-improvement editor (@zephyrmelton): Alex Smalley is a nice Saturday-night story, but with the number of big names in the chase for the final round, I’ll be surprised if he hangs on. As for who that big name will be, give me Jon Rahm. After the embarrassment he suffered at Augusta last month, he seems to have come to Aronimink with something to prove. Nothing would silence the haters better than hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy Sunday evening.
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): With apologies to Alex Smalley, I think there’s simply too many contenders here and he has yet to be in this situation. I think Jon Rahm emerges from the pack, wins his third leg of the career Grand Slam and adds another interesting wrinkle to all the LIV drama.
Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@schrock_and_awe): Everything is telling me Jon Rahm wins. But nothing about this major has been as expected. Just look at this leaderboard! I think Smalley exits the proceedings early and we end up seeing someone from the Rahm, Ludvig, Rory and Xander pack make the right moves late on 16, 17 and 18. I’ll take Xander to beat Rahm and Rory by one, but I’m cautiously monitoring the possibility of Scottie Scheffler going out early and posting a 65 or 64 and seeing who can match it.
Josh Sens, senior writer (@joshsens): This is the heart speaking more than the head, but Justin Rose is well within striking distance, just far enough back that he’s not saddled with the pressure of expectations, just the opportunity to post an early score as he did at the Masters last year. Maybe his playoff against Rory ends differently at Aronimink than it did at Augusta.
