Alex Smalley: The 2026 PGA Championship Contender Whose Mom Is Always Watching Maria Smalley, Alex Smalley’s mother, moved swiftly across the fairway at Aronimink Golf Club during the third round of the 2026 PGA Championship, her pace driven by the knowledge that her son was closing in on the tournament’s lead. The 29-year-old Smalley, who sits at 4 under par, is tied for the top spot and has emerged as a top contender for his first major championship in just his fifth major start. Maria, however, is far more than just a parent to Smalley. She is his former caddie, a figure often referred to as his “momager,” and the mastermind behind his intricate statistical system. Her role extends beyond emotional support; she meticulously documents every detail of Smalley’s performance, from distance to the flag to wind direction, ensuring he has a comprehensive dataset to evaluate his play. Smalley’s round on Friday was a rollercoaster. He began with a strong front nine, carding a 33, but his group was warned about slow play as they transitioned to the back nine. This led to three bogeys, which threatened to derail his momentum. However, Smalley pressed on, navigating Aronimink’s challenging conditions—gusty winds and tricky greens—to post a 1-under 69. His performance has placed him in a tie for the lead with Maverick McNealy, marking a significant milestone in his career. The data from his round, including detailed notes on every shot, will be compiled into a post-round log for Smalley to review before Saturday’s final round. Maria’s involvement in Smalley’s career began during his senior year of high school, when a college coach introduced her to the Shots to Hole app.#maverick_mcnealy #aronimink_golf_club #pga_championship #alex_smalley #mariasmalley
