The 2026 US PGA Championship concluded its thrilling final day with numerous players vying for the top spot. Alex Smalley held the lead at -6, while a host of competitors, including Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, aimed to close the gap.

Key Highlights:

• Rory McIlroy made an early impact with a casual birdie at the 2nd hole, joining the group at -5.
• Aaron Rai capitalized on his momentum, making a birdie on the 1st hole, which put him at -5, cutting into Smalley's lead.
• Hideki Matsuyama struggled, suffering back-to-back bogeys at 7 and 8, dropping to -2.
• Justin Thomas showcased his skills with a remarkable 30-foot putt on 15, moving to -4.

Notable Performances:

• Kurt Kitayama shot a stunning 63, tying the record for the lowest final round in PGA Championship history, finishing at -4.
• Cameron Smith, returning to form, made birdies at 2 and 4, joining the -4 group.
• Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, faced struggles, remaining at -2 after missing crucial putts.

The day also featured consistent performances from Matt Fitzpatrick, who finished strong with a 65, and Harris English, who continued his solid showing from previous majors.

As the weather warmed, the course conditions proved challenging, yet the excitement and competitiveness remained high. With 47 players within seven shots of the lead, the potential for a playoff loomed large, making for an electrifying conclusion to the championship.