2026 PGA Championship Begins! Scheffler vs. McIlroy
The 2026 PGA Championship kicks off at Aronimink GC. We analyze the Scheffler-McIlroy showdown and the impact of Woods and DeChambeau's absences.
The 108th PGA Championship is set to begin on May 14, 2026, at the historic Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, just west of Philadelphia. While a fitting stage to crown a champion, this tournament carries weight beyond a typical major. With the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf entering its final stages, it marks the end of an era and the dawn of a new phase for professional golf.
History and Tradition: The Battle for the Wanamaker Trophy
Aronimink Golf Club was designed by the legendary architect Donald Ross in 1928. It has been 64 years since the PGA Championship was last held here in 1962, when Gary Player claimed victory. In 2017, a major restoration by Gil Hanse faithfully returned the course to Ross's original design. Broad fairways, deep bunkers, and highly strategic greens present a true test for today's power players.
The winner receives the iconic Wanamaker Trophy, weighing approximately 12 kg and standing 70 cm tall. Holding this trophy is a premier honor, and golf fans worldwide are watching to see who will lift it in front of Aronimink's historic clubhouse.
The $20 Million Era: Record Prize Money
Prize money in professional golf continues to soar. The total purse for the 2026 event has increased to $20 million, up from $19 million the previous year. This matches or exceeds the PGA Tour's signature events, reflecting the tournament's stature financially as well as historically.
Position | Estimated Prize (USD) |
Winner | $3,600,000 |
2nd Place | $2,160,000 |
3rd Place | $1,360,000 |
Total Purse | $20,000,000 |
Players to Watch: Scheffler's Title Defense vs. McIlroy
The clear favorite is world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Having won the 2025 tournament in dominant fashion, he aims to defend his title. His precise ball-striking and calm demeanor will be key assets on Aronimink's challenging layout.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy remains a fan favorite. A two-time PGA Championship winner (2012, 2014), McIlroy enters with strong momentum following the Masters. In recent years, his softening stance on LIV Golf and advocacy for unification have earned him broad respect, making a potential victory a symbolic step toward unity.
The Twilight of LIV Golf and DeChambeau's Absence
Reflecting the division in the sport, several notable players are absent, most notably Bryson DeChambeau. With Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) planning to end financial backing for LIV Golf after the 2026 season, DeChambeau declined the PGA Tour's strict conditions for reentry, which included heavy fines and temporary suspensions.
His absence from major championships highlights the impact of the golf split. While he continues to engage fans through his YouTube channel, many feel the sport misses his unique style of play at its highest levels.
Tiger Woods' Current Status and Legacy
Tiger Woods is also absent from Aronimink. Sidelined due to rehabilitation from personal difficulties in March 2026, his absence is deeply felt. However, the legacy he built is clearly visible in the playing style of the younger generation competing this week.
The Future of Golf: Unity or Continued Chaos?
With LIV Golf's future uncertain following reports of PIF's withdrawal, this tournament serves as a test for returning focus to the sport itself. The performances of PGA Tour stars like McIlroy and Scheffler at Aronimink may help light the path forward toward a unified golf landscape.
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