The second major of the 2026 men’s golf season is just over two weeks away, and the storyline is loaded. The PGA Championship returns to Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, May 14–17 — only the second time the venue has hosted the championship, the first being in 1962. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler arrives as the +350 favourite, with Rory McIlroy (+650) chasing the career grand slam, and a who’s-who of in-form names lurking behind them.
When and Where
- Dates: May 14–17, 2026
- Venue: Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA
- Course architect: Donald Ross (1928), with restoration by Gil Hanse
- Par: 70
- Yardage: ~7,300 yards
Why Aronimink Is the Story
Aronimink last hosted a major in 1962, when Gary Player won the PGA Championship. In the years since, it has hosted Tour events but spent most of its modern life as a quiet, members-first club. The Hanse-led restoration brought back hundreds of original Donald Ross design elements — sharper greens, deeper bunkers, restored fairway widths — and the result is a championship test that punishes laser-like long irons and rewards short-game creativity.
The big architectural questions for the field: how firm will the greens get during the week, and how aggressive will the PGA of America be with hole locations on Ross’s well-known false fronts? On both counts, expect a tougher setup than Quail Hollow’s friendlier 2025 edition.
The Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler dominated the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, winning by six. He arrives at Aronimink at +350, a betting favourite gap that itself tells you most of the story. We’ve covered Scheffler’s 2026 numbers and his early-season iron struggles in detail.
The case for Scheffler: best ball-striker in golf, healthy putting trends, course type that rewards iron precision. The case against: he narrowly lost the 2026 Masters to Rory McIlroy, and his Sunday closing speed has been inconsistent.
The Other Contenders
- Rory McIlroy (+650): Coming off a Masters win, chasing his fifth career major and the personal slam he completed at Augusta. He’s now in chase mode for legacy — and Aronimink’s length suits him.
- Bryson DeChambeau (+1000): Power game still as devastating as ever; his Sunday emotional management remains the variable. His 2026 hot streak has him in every conversation.
- Jon Rahm (+1400): Just won LIV Mexico City by six. Form is back. See our LIV recap.
- Matt Fitzpatrick: Just won the Zurich Classic with his brother. Three wins in 2026 already and arguably the field’s best putter.
What This Means For Your Game
Aronimink will reward two specific skills, and both are useful at amateur level too:
- Wedge distance control. Donald Ross greens slope severely. Stopping a wedge near the right pin position is more important than hitting the green. Use a 50/100 yard ladder drill to dial in 5-yard increments.
- Short-game creativity. Tightly-mown chipping areas around Ross greens punish single-shot players. Practice three different chip shots from the same lie — putter, low runner, lofted pitch.
- Course management. Ross used contour to defend par. Take the smart shot, not the heroic one. Our course management guide has more.
How to Watch
The PGA Championship will be broadcast on ESPN+ for early-round coverage and CBS for weekend rounds. International coverage on Sky Sports (UK) and various regional broadcasters. Expect first-round tee times to begin around 7:00 AM ET on Thursday, May 14.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 PGA Championship runs May 14–17 at Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA.
- It is Aronimink’s first major championship in over 60 years.
- Scottie Scheffler is the +350 betting favourite, defending his 2025 title.
- Expect a setup that rewards iron precision, wedge distance control, and short-game creativity over raw power.
