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
Xander Schauffele Enters PGA Championship with Momentum and Experience The PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club is in its second round, with a seven-player tie for the lead setting the stage for a highly competitive battle. Among the contenders, 2024 PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele sits just behind the top group, having posted an opening-round 68. The ESPN broadcast highlighted that Schauffele’s performance could signal a return to form, as his recent history suggests he is primed for another major victory. Schauffele’s current run of success is notable, as it marks his first 68 or better in the first round of a major since his 2024 PGA Championship triumph at Valhalla. That victory, which coincided with the infamous Scottie Scheffler arrest, marked a career breakthrough for Schauffele, who had never won a major prior to that event. His subsequent performance at the 2024 Open Championship—where he shot a two-under 69 in the opening round—further underscored his ability to perform under pressure. However, his path to the top of the sport has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play in subsequent major tournaments. The 2024 PGA win at Valhalla was a turning point for Schauffele, leading to a resurgence that culminated in his victory at Royal Troon two months later. This resurgence has now brought him back to the PGA Championship, where he is seeking his third major title. On Thursday, Schauffele started strongly, recording three birdies in his first four holes. However, the challenging back nine at Aronimink tested his composure, resulting in three bogeys. Despite this, he managed two additional birdies, keeping him within striking distance of the leaders.#scottie_scheffler #xander_schauffele #aronimink_golf_club #pga_championship #martin_kaymer
Garrick Higgo Penalized for Late Tee Time at PGA Championship South African golfer Garrick Higgo was assessed a two-stroke penalty for arriving late to his first-round tee time at the 2026 PGA Championship. The PGA of America announced the decision, citing Rule 5.3 of the Rules of Golf, which states players arriving no more than five minutes late to their scheduled tee time receive a two-stroke penalty. Higgo, who was scheduled to tee off at 7:18 a.m. alongside Michael Brennan and Shaun Micheel, arrived at the designated tee at 7:19 a.m., as reported by the ESPN broadcast. The delay resulted in a double bogey on the first hole. Higgo made a birdie on the third hole, bringing his score to 1-over par through eight holes. The PGA of America noted that Higgo was on the putting green but not “within the area defined as the starting point at his starting time” when he arrived. The penalty highlights the strict adherence to timekeeping in professional golf, where even minor delays trigger consequences. Higgo, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, is making his fourth appearance at the PGA Championship. This year’s event marks his third consecutive major championship, following his participation in the 2025 U.S. Open and 2025 Open Championship. Despite his experience, the penalty at Aronimink Golf Club underscores the challenges of maintaining precision in all aspects of the game. Higgo, who has yet to secure a top-40 finish in any major championship, is seeking to make his mark at the PGA Championship. The rules governing tee times are designed to ensure fairness and maintain competition integrity. Rule 5.3 explicitly states players must arrive at their designated tee time within the specified timeframe.#pga_of_america #pga_championship #garrick_higgo #michael_brennan #shaun_micheel
How the Aronimink Golf Club prepared for the PGA Championship The Aronimink Golf Club made several strategic adjustments to its course in preparation for hosting the PGA Championship, including moving the tee box for the 13th hole closer to the green. This change, along with other modifications, aims to create a more challenging and engaging experience for the world’s top golfers during the tournament. The decision to shift the tee box was made by Kerry Haigh, PGA of America’s chief championship officer, and John Gosselin, the club’s superintendent. The 13th hole, typically 385 yards from the center of the green, will now have a tee box within 300 yards, forcing players to make critical decisions on a par-4 hole. They can either attempt a long drive for the green, risking an out-of-bounds shot into the woods, or play a safer shot onto the fairway, sacrificing the chance for an eagle. Haigh emphasized that such strategic choices enhance the intrigue of the course, providing both players and spectators with a more dynamic experience. The forward tee box on the 13th hole is one of several minor tweaks the PGA has implemented to prepare Aronimink for the championship. The club closed to its members in November to make these adjustments, which included narrowing some fairways, raising the height of the rough, and repositioning tee boxes to bring more bunkers into play. These changes are designed to fine-tune the course for its first major championship since 1962, ensuring it presents a unique challenge for competitors. Additionally, the PGA has focused on setting up the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the expected 200,000 fans.#philadelphia #aronimink_golf_club #kerry_haigh #john_gosselin #pga_championship
