Fairways, Firepower & The Wanamaker Trophy: Inside the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink

The second major championship of the golf season has arrived, and the stage could not be more fitting. The 2026 PGA Championship heads to historic Aronimink Golf Club just outside Philadelphia, where 156 of the world’s best golfers will battle for the Wanamaker Trophy in what feels like one of the deepest major fields in recent memory. Between Scottie Scheffler attempting to defend his PGA Championship crown, Rory McIlroy chasing back-to-back majors after his Masters victory, and a hungry generation of stars still searching for their breakthrough major win, this tournament has every ingredient necessary for a classic.

Aronimink itself is expected to be one of the major storylines throughout the week. Originally designed by legendary architect Donald Ross, the course has undergone significant restoration work by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner ahead of this championship. The course will play as a par 70 stretching nearly 7,400 yards, demanding elite ball striking and precise approach play from tee to green. Thick rough, expanded greens, and more than 100 strategically placed bunkers will punish players who are even slightly off-line. Several analysts believe the course setup could produce a winning score closer to double digits under par instead of the brutal U.S. Open-style grind fans often expect from recent PGA Championships.

The key holes at Aronimink could ultimately decide the championship. The par-4 15th is expected to be one of the toughest finishing holes in golf this week, while the short-risk reward 13th could completely swing momentum late on Sunday afternoon. The difficult par-3 5th is also receiving major attention from players during practice rounds because of the demanding green complexes and swirling wind conditions. Players who consistently gain strokes on approach and avoid costly mistakes around the greens should separate themselves quickly from the rest of the field.

Naturally, all eyes begin with Scottie Scheffler. The defending PGA Champion enters the week as the betting favorite after continuing one of the most dominant stretches modern golf has seen. Scheffler has reportedly finished runner-up in three consecutive starts entering Aronimink and continues to lead elite statistical categories in tee-to-green play. His consistency, ball striking, and ability to avoid disastrous rounds make him the safest pick in the field. Covers currently gives Scheffler roughly a 17% win probability entering the week.

Right behind him is Rory McIlroy, who appears to have fully rediscovered his confidence after capturing another green jacket at Augusta earlier this spring. McIlroy’s length off the tee and ability to dominate par 4 scoring makes him incredibly dangerous at Aronimink. If Rory keeps the driver under control, he absolutely has the firepower to win his second major championship of the season and further cement this as one of the best stretches of his legendary career.

One of the most fascinating names entering the week may be Cameron Young. Young continues to hover near the top of leaderboards without yet claiming a major championship, but many analysts believe this setup fits his game perfectly. Covers specifically highlighted Young as a strong outright betting target entering the week due to his current form and course fit.

Other major contenders include Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Åberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick in particular has quietly built one of the most complete seasons on tour and could thrive on a demanding course that rewards discipline and accuracy over pure aggression.

Gambling Picks & Best Bets

Round 1 Leader Pick

My first-round leader selection is Rickie Fowler.

Fowler is entering the week with tremendous momentum after a runner-up finish at the Truist Championship and has historically played well at Aronimink. His recent form and aggressive early-round scoring ability make him an excellent Thursday target.

Best Top-10 Bet

Matt Fitzpatrick Top 10 Finish

Fitzpatrick’s accuracy, short game, and current form feel tailor-made for this setup. He may not overpower Aronimink, but he does not need to if conditions firm up and scoring becomes difficult over the weekend.

Best Matchup Bet

Rickie Fowler over Patrick Cantlay

Fowler’s current momentum and superior history at Aronimink stand out significantly entering this matchup.

Longshot Pick

Keegan Bradley

Bradley won the 2018 BMW Championship at Aronimink and already knows how to navigate this course under tournament pressure. If conditions become difficult and scoring tightens up, his experience here could become a massive advantage.

Final Prediction — 2026 PGA Championship Winner

I’m taking Rory McIlroy to win the 2026 PGA Championship.

Scheffler may be the safest player in the world right now, but Rory feels like the golfer entering this week with the highest ceiling. His confidence is soaring after Augusta, his driver can completely overpower a course like Aronimink, and when McIlroy gets rolling in major championships, few players in golf history can match his scoring ability. Expect Rory to separate himself over the weekend and capture yet another major championship in what could become a defining season of his career.

For fans of golf, this week has everything — elite star power, major championship pressure, a classic venue, and endless drama waiting to unfold. The road to the Wanamaker Trophy officially begins tomorrow.