Rory McIlroy’s successful defence at Augusta added another dramatic chapter to this year’s major season and has set the tone for a compelling PGA Championship at Aronimink. With the world No 1 and No 2 finishing first and second at The Masters, many of golf’s leading names arrive in Pennsylvania in strong form and ready to contest for the Wanamaker Trophy.
Aronimink’s history and layout make it a fascinating test. The last major there was won by Gary Player some 64 years ago; the course is a Donald Ross creation that has been gradually restored to its former character. Ron Pritchard’s work in 2003 and Gil Hanse’s later renovations ahead of the 2018 BMW Championship have brought back the classical feel while modernising the routing. In past tournaments Aronimink has produced low scores — both Tiger Woods and McIlroy have shot 62 — and Woods famously closed with a 29 on the back nine in 2018.
Traditionally generous fairways mean set-up will be decisive. If the PGA of America chooses to tighten the landing areas, accuracy will be rewarded alongside distance; if the fairways remain wide, approach play and scrambling could define the leaderboard. Either way, the course’s mix of risk-and-reward holes and subtle greens should produce an entertaining week.
Form players to watch
The top tier of the world rankings have all shown excellent form this season. Scottie Scheffler’s consistency is remarkable, and McIlroy arrives as a proven major winner who should be rested and hungry for a third PGA title. Cameron Young looks like a player who has matured considerably since last season, and Matt Fitzpatrick’s climb back into the elite has been one of the more impressive stories — he’s now firmly in the top five.
Justin Rose, comfortable at venues like Aronimink, could thrive on a track that suits his eye, and Jordan Spieth has shown signs of rekindling his best form; a win here would add a major chapter to his career. Robert MacIntyre, after a mixed Masters, should find a course that plays to his strengths and could use this week to re-establish himself among the top 10. Tyrrell Hatton remains a strong candidate for a first major too — his approach play is elite, and on a course that allows plenty of fairway access that could pay dividends.
It feels plausible that one of the top five in the world could lift the Wanamaker Trophy, though golf is never that predictable and a surprise contender from lower down the rankings is always a possibility.
Wider issues off the course
Just as attention focuses on the competition, the men’s game continues to grapple with off-course turmoil. Recent headlines have been dominated by uncertainty around LIV Golf after reports that the Saudi PIF will end its financial support. Four years on from the series’ launch, questions remain about sustainability — large sums have been spent to build the product, but profitability has proved elusive.
The PIF’s broader sporting investments, such as Newcastle United, have shown how ownership can transform fortunes, yet the calculus for a standalone golf league is very different. With the funding question now pressing, the future of many LIV players — and how they might reintegrate with the PGA Tour, DP World Tour or other circuits — is unclear.
Some players have already navigated returns: Brooks Koepka accepted terms from the PGA Tour, and Jon Rahm recently rejoined the DP World Tour after resolving outstanding membership issues. But the larger challenge will be negotiating a fair outcome for those who remained loyal to their original tours. Fans want the best players competing head-to-head more often, but any reunification will need to address sanctions, compensation and the integrity of existing tour structures so that players who stayed aren’t unduly disadvantaged.
Negotiations are likely to be protracted, with many meetings and differing viewpoints. The ideal outcome would be a more unified calendar that preserves the sport’s traditions while giving players and tours a sustainable commercial model. For now, though, the fractures remain and will influence discussion throughout the summer.
Looking ahead
For the moment, golf fans can focus on the next three majors: the PGA at Aronimink, the US Open at the rugged Shinnecock Hills, and The Open at Royal Birkdale. Each presents a different challenge and, collectively, they will offer plenty of drama — on and off the course.
Who will win at Aronimink? Expect a strong showing from the sport’s best, but also be ready for a dark-horse story. Coverage of the PGA Championship is live throughout the week on Sky Sports, with first-round action beginning on Thursday.