A Surprising Leader and a Chaotic Field
The PGA Championship has delivered more twists and turns than anyone could have anticipated, with the leaderboard now featuring a cast of characters that includes both seasoned stars and unexpected underdogs. At the top of the standings is Alex Smalley, a world No. 78 from upstate New York, who holds a two-stroke lead after three rounds. This is a remarkable achievement for a player who has never won a professional tournament before and started the third round with three bogeys in four holes.
Despite these early struggles, Smalley has shown incredible resilience. He maintained at least a share of the lead after each of the first two rounds and continued his strong performance on Sunday with a back nine of 31, finishing with a 68. His ability to recover and maintain composure under pressure has set him apart as the man to beat in this week's tournament.
A Deep and Competitive Field
What makes this week even more intriguing is the depth of the chasing pack. No fewer than 21 other golfers are within two strokes of the lead, including some of the biggest names in the sport. Jon Rahm, Ludvig Aberg, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Reed are all in contention, along with Matti Schmid, Nick Taylor, and Aaron Rai. The competition is so tight that the final round will feel more like a marathon than a race between a few top contenders.
Rai’s situation is particularly fascinating. He is the only Englishman to be in contention since Jim Barnes won the PGA Championship in 1915. Navigating the windiest conditions of the day, Rai carded a 67, showing that he is capable of performing under pressure. Known for his unique style—wearing two gloves and avoiding agents—Rai has built a career on his own terms. His game aligns perfectly with the course, as his accuracy has proven to be a major asset.
However, the question remains whether he can handle the pressure of a major championship. After leading after 36 holes at Myrtle Beach last weekend, he ultimately finished fifth. This stage is much bigger, and he admits he was unaware of the historical significance of being an English winner until just a few minutes ago.
Rahm and Aberg: Two Different Motivations
Jon Rahm, who last won a major three years ago, is also in the mix. He recently faced challenges with his employer, LIV Golf, which lost its Saudi funding. A three-putt bogey at the last hole cost him a share of the lead, but his determination to win a third major is clear. For LIV, a win could be essential in attracting fresh investment. His 67 came with five birdies and only two bogeys, showcasing his ability to perform when it matters most.
Ludvig Aberg, on the other hand, carries less urgency but faces his own challenges. The Swedish golfer has struggled with composure on Sundays in the past, but his 68 in the afternoon winds showed that his game is in good shape. The question is whether this will be the week he finally capitalizes on his immense talent.
McIlroy and Rose: A New Era?
Rory McIlroy continues to show signs of improvement, particularly with his driving. Reaching the green of the par-four sixth in one stroke and earning a birdie in his 66, he demonstrated that the spring is back in his step. After the round, he joked about retreating to his hired house to watch Batman, a humorous contrast to the high-stakes competition.
Justin Rose, long seen as McIlroy’s “Robin” on the golf course, is also in the mix. His switch to clubs designed by a Formula One team has been met with skepticism, but his brilliant 65 in the morning conditions proved that the new equipment is working. It seems that even a McLaren can turn a corner on grass.
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