Rory McIlroy Aims for Major Glory Against Defending Champion Scottie Scheffler
The US PGA Championship kicks off on Thursday in southwest Philadelphia, drawing the sport’s elite as they vie for major triumphs. Rory McIlroy, fresh off his second consecutive Masters victory, seeks to climb the all-time major winners' list. With his sixth major title, McIlroy now stands equal with Nick Faldo. A win at the US PGA Championship would not only secure his third title but also tie him with Arnold Palmer at seven majors, making him the most successful European golfer of the modern era. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler aims to retain his crown at the 108th edition of the championship, held at Aronimink Golf Club. This historic course previously hosted the event in 1962, where Gary Player captured his third major title. Course Characteristics: Aronimink features long par-threes and challenging approach shots, particularly emphasizing the importance of putting. Three of the four par-threes exceed 200 yards, while the undulating greens present significant challenges. Key Holes: Hole 1: A daunting 434-yard par four, surrounded by bunkers. Hole 8: The longest par-three at 242 yards, testing players' accuracy. Hole 9: A massive par-five over 600 yards, offering eagle opportunities. Hole 10: A challenging par four, requiring precision to navigate bunkers and water. Hole 17: A critical par-three with a pond, where the championship could be decided. Notable Tee Times: 11:45am: Alex Fitzpatrick, Branden Shattuck, Ben Griffin (hole one) 1:40pm: Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth (hole 10) 7:05pm: Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose (hole one) As the championship unfolds, all eyes will be on McIlroy’s quest for another major and Scheffler's title defense.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-05-13