NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — The PGA Championship from earlier eras often saw less familiar victors such as Rich Beem, Shaun Micheel, and occasional unexpected champions. Positioned late in the golfing year, this tournament often seemed to offer an opportunity for underdog players as the season approached its conclusion.
While that prior iteration of the PGA Championship might appear appealing retrospectively, it no longer exists in its practical form today.
Following its schedule adjustment to May, the PGA Championship has crowned champions who subsequently achieved multiple major titles. The sole recent astonishing outcome involved Phil Mickelson, and frankly, Mickelson’s performance at the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island in 2021 was quintessentially him.
Apart from that instance, the tournament has been dominated by the current generation’s elite players — including Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, and naturally, the top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, who currently holds the title at Aronimink Golf Club. Substantial and challenging golf courses have consistently yielded victories to powerful and robust golfers.
The particular challenge this week at Aronimink Golf Club might diverge, with its intricate putting surfaces acting as the primary barrier, and the enduring spirit of Donald Ross surely wishes his acclaimed design can stand firm against contemporary golf. Nevertheless, success will still necessitate accurate iron shots, deft handling both on and near the greens, and expert use of the driver.
Therefore, we will now examine the nine competitors from the 156-player lineup who appear best equipped to excel at the 2026 PGA Championship. Explore the 2026 PGA Championship participants, ordered from 1st to 26th, and review our team’s specialist choices and forecasts for winning the Wanamaker Trophy.
