PGA Championship 2026: Who Can Stop Scottie Scheffler's Dominance?
The 2026 PGA Championship is set to be a thrilling showdown, with the world's top players gearing up for the final major of the year. Among them, Scottie Scheffler stands out as the clear favorite, aiming for a repeat victory. But who can challenge the world No. 1-ranked player and prevent him from adding another trophy to his collection?
The Scheffler Dominance
Scottie Scheffler has been on an incredible run, winning two of his last three starts and finishing as a runner-up in the other. His recent performances have been nothing short of impressive, with a Round 1 scoring average that ranks 77th on the PGA Tour. However, it's his ability to bounce back from poor starts that truly sets him apart. Scheffler's ball-striking prowess, currently ranking third on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Approach, makes him a force to be reckoned with.
The Contenders
Several players are poised to challenge Scheffler, each bringing their own unique strengths and recent successes.
Cameron Young: Young's first career PGA Tour victory last August, followed by a strong Ryder Cup performance, has solidified his status as a top-five player. His ability to close out tournaments is a significant advantage.
Rory McIlroy: McIlroy, the Masters champion, is still eligible for the elusive single-season grand slam. His recent form, including a T-47 finish at the PGA Championship last year, suggests he's motivated and ready to challenge.
Matt Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick, a major champion, has had a resurgence, finishing T-8 at the PGA Championship last year and leading the PGA Tour with three wins this season.
Xander Schauffele: Schauffele, a two-time major champion, is flying under the radar but has been consistently strong, with a dozen top-10 results in just 27 major starts.
Chris Gotterup: Gotterup's recent wins and world ranking make him a formidable contender. His ability to perform against the best players is a key asset.
The Underdogs
Some players, despite their recent successes, might be considered underdogs due to their specific challenges or unique circumstances.
Jon Rahm: Rahm's transition to LIV Golf has been challenging, with no major finishes better than seventh since leaving. His recent performance at the Masters, finishing T-38, is a cause for concern.
Bryson DeChambeau: DeChambeau's injury history and inconsistent performance make him an underdog. His recent withdrawal from the second hole of a big event and a back injury raise questions.
Collin Morikawa: Morikawa's recent injuries and withdrawals have impacted his performance. His T-7 finish at the Masters and T-4 at the RBC Heritage show glimpses of his potential.
Justin Thomas: Thomas' recent struggles, including a top 10 finish at The Players, might make him an underdog in this field.
The Longshots
Some players, despite their talent, might be considered longshots due to their specific challenges or unique circumstances.
Patrick Cantlay: Cantlay's recent top-12 results and ball-striking numbers make him a borderline longshot. His T-12 finish at the Masters is a bright spot.
Robert MacIntyre: MacIntyre's recent form, including a runner-up result at Oakmont for the U.S. Open, makes him a dark horse contender.
Rickie Fowler: Fowler's recent top-10 results and experience at Aronimink make him a potential dark horse.
Russell Henley: Henley's lack of a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship in a dozen career starts might make him an underdog.
The Underdogs Turned Contenders
Some players have the potential to turn underdogs into contenders with their unique strengths and recent successes.
Tyrrell Hatton: Hatton's emotional outbursts and recent form make him a potential dark horse.
Sepp Straka: Straka's recent iron play and trending results make him a potential contender.
Patrick Reed: Reed's focus on the majors and recent top-12 results make him a potential dark horse.
J.J. Spaun: Spaun's recent success in Pittsburgh and recent wins make him a potential contender.
Kurt Kitayama: Kitayama's recent top 10s and statistical dominance make him a potential dark horse.
Si Woo Kim: Kim's recent top-fives and top-10s make him a potential contender.
Viktor Hovland: Hovland's recent form and motivation after a frustrating finish make him a potential dark horse.
Hideki Matsuyama: Matsuyama's recent ball-striking prowess and consistency make him a potential contender.
Justin Rose: Rose's recent ball-striking effort and unique club choice make him a potential dark horse.
Keegan Bradley: Bradley's recent form and experience at Aronimink make him a potential contender.
Jordan Spieth: Spieth's recent entertainment value and potential to join McIlroy in the historic career slam club make him a potential dark horse.
Stewart Cink: Cink's recent dominance on the PGA Tour Champions and statistical leadership make him a potential contender.
As the 2026 PGA Championship unfolds, the stage is set for an exciting showdown. While Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite, the contenders and underdogs alike will strive to challenge him and claim the coveted trophy. The tournament promises to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and determination, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
