2026 PGA Championship: Time for the Range
Posted on May 12, 2026
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Aronomink with its famed bunkering and spine-based greens is ready to host a PGA Championship with competitors due to be tested at every level. The crowds will be flocking in and expecting the usual major atmosphere which will peak come Sunday.
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Keep an eye open for the majorpunter changes introduced last year, with a no-subs option, adding a 6th pick and the addition of another wildcard. See the updated RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.
We have edited the buckets for this major: 1 from the top 10, 1 from 11 to 30, 2 from 31 to 50 and then 2 from anyone above 50th. Its a much bigger spread so needing a deeper dive!
The weather is predicted to be fair and the course should be playing firm without being overly fast. May is a softer month in climate and so will be a different test to what might have been originally designed. The layout should make up for whatever failures there might be on the weather - its going to be an epic championship.
Scottie was out and about prepping on the range with his considerations for the Champion’s Dinner a part of his thinking, though its a far cry from Magnolia Lane and all that venue offers. Most important for him will be to work out a way of getting back to a consistent scoring mode in order to contend for a 5th major.
Stat Attack
Aronimink is a course which is not well known, plus the course set up is yet to be seen, though the conditions of May will be known to most players who have played in the north-east before. Five tips floating around:
1. The course will demand wedge control on some scorable, shorter par 4s.
2. High towering long irons on the “short” par 3s
3. Angles to tricky greens are key - distance off the tee creates angles
4. The greens are tricky and runoffs are real - short game tests from tight lies
5. Controlling your putting speed
If you don't know who could perform well in the above context head to DATA GOLF RANKINGS to do some digging.
A few other considerations:
1. 8 of the previous 11 PGA winners had posted a top 10 at 1 of the previous 2 majors so thats The Masters or The Open
2. 10 of the previous 11 PGA winners had posted a top 4 in the year of winning
3. JRose has shown moments of major form in 2026 and excluding 2025, had 5 years of top 15s at PGA Championships in a row!
Then the big discussion of Jordan to complete the Grand Slam, he has hardly been in contention at a PGA, but has challenged recently on tour with a top 10 at Doral recently. He has a new driver and a new ball in play - perhaps he’s turned a corner. He’s an outside chance at best.
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Any major presents so many potentials, obviously littered with favourites of proven top end players, but we all know there can be a surprise out there though none has appeared for a few years.
The course is expected to favour longer hitters, like normal. Its a tree-lined layout where distance might mean being longer than the bunkers are set. The fairways are also considered wide enough to have some errant drives without punishment.
Precision iron-play cannot be discounted with bowl-like features either repelling or drawing balls into flags.
The Big Boys: are on everyone’s lips. Rory & Scottie are a cut above and either can trump the other. It would be a privilege to see them battle it out.
Its a battle to see who can join them and this year with multiple wins we have Fitzy & Cam who have set the year alight. But there are others with a chance.
Collin: Might have been the man were it not for an ill-timed back injury. Still showed resiliance at Augusta and his precision iron-play will be a weapon this week.
Aberg: Again contended at Augusta, his data is all trending upwards and better than in prior years.
The Challengers
The DATA GOLF RANKINGS have a few surprises, but Scottie does keep ranking at the top of all.
However the top 10 is littered with top, high performing talent: Scottie, Rahmbo, Rory & X are all multiple major winners, plus you have a string chasing their elusive 1st major in there too like TommyLad, Aberg, Cam & Henley. Thats a ton of pedigree and form to boot.
Plus look at the list of winners in 2026, littered with the above plus a few others who are favourites for the major per the pundits and betting odds.
But what of the rest who are not on everyone’s radar?
Harry Hall has had his moments on the PGA Tour, is great putter and very straight. Stays out the limelight and could be worth a scramble from long range.
Yellamaraju: snuck in on the number, but has been in superb form, plays freely and won’t fear anything in this crazy year of highs that he has experienced.
Of course, some of the form players in 2026, featured with top 10s last year at Quail Hollow SiWoo, BDC & Fitzy amongst a few others so be sure to check history as a predictor for the future, as it works over and over again. 8 of the previous 10 PGA winners had posted a top 10 at a prior PGA Championship.
Your Picks
The DATA GOLF RANKINGS are an interesting mix and determine our mixed pots for PICKS.
The Buckets
The Top bucket: The Big Boys dominate, though there are still a few pretenders in this crew. Rahmbo has had so much negative press and chatter, that a win would be great for the game (and himself).
The 2nd bucket: A bigger group - and a tough nut to crack. Lots of good form players that are trending in the right way including top 5s last week like Howler & Hogie.
The 3rd Bucket: Now time for 2 picks, including a Grand Slam chaser in Jordan, still with his clear weaknesses. JDay is a former champ, but maybe its time for McCarty to lead the youngsters charge?
The Bottom Bucket: Another 2 picks, now its time to dig deep into the well. A serious stack of younger players, recent breakthrough winners from across the globe, plus a string of journeymen, littered with major winners of yesteryear.
BK, Wyndie & Harmie are all recent major winners, plus there are some long shots on LIV party players like Cambo & DJ to consider.
Head over to DATA GOLF RANKINGS to find your team and make those PICKS.
Take on your mates
As always, the more the merrier so send this on to the other golf fans in your life to get them involved and swell the winner's purse!
Remember we have Side Pots for punters to directly compete with each other’s friends, families, colleagues, local clubs, whatever you feel necessary. Give it a try and maybe get some side wagers going!
LIVE SCORING will be up and running on the site for all punters to see where they stand in real time. We are constantly looking to improve so keep us updated on some new trends that we might have missed.
For more news, head over majorpunterin!
Remember to ensure your teams are entered and paid before the first tee off time wherever you might be around the globe.