NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (AP) – The PGA Championship showcases the strongest field in major golf, and the final round on Sunday highlighted both renowned stars and lesser-known players.
Among the contenders at Aronimink, Alex Smalley entered the day with a two-shot lead, paired with Germany’s Matti Schmid, marking a rare occurrence in major tournaments where two players without prior wins on main tours competed in the final group.
Historic Pairing in Final Group
This marks the first time in 23 years that a final group in any major tournament features two players who have yet to secure a victory on a significant tour. Notably, Paul Dunne, who was an amateur when he played in the final group at St. Andrews during the 2015 British Open, and Ricky Barnes, who had not won prior to his appearance in the final group of the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, add historical context to this unique pairing.
Diverse Field of Contenders
The final round featured an eclectic mix of players, including 11 major champions among the 29 players within five shots of the lead. This diverse group not only included established stars like Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy but also lesser-known competitors such as Bud Cauley and Max Greyserman, showcasing the depth of talent present.
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and the world’s top-ranked player, expressed his astonishment at the leaderboard, stating, “I’ve never seen a leaderboard like this.”
Grand Slam Aspirations
For McIlroy, who began the day three shots behind, the stakes were high as he aimed to become the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win the first two legs of a calendar Grand Slam, a feat not achieved since Arnold Palmer popularized the modern version of the slam in 1960. Rahm also has aspirations for a Grand Slam, seeking to secure a victory for Spain, which has seen champions in all major tournaments except the PGA Championship.
Conditions Favor Strong Performances
Sunday’s warm weather and minimal wind conditions at Aronimink created an environment conducive for players to seize control of the tournament rather than merely battling against par. Scheffler articulated the sentiment, remarking, “Somebody is going to have a great round. And I’m going to make sure to do my best to give myself my best shot at being the one who has a great round.”