The 2026 PGA Championship is upon us, and the question on everyone's mind is: Who can stop Scottie Scheffler's repeat bid? The world's No. 1-ranked player has been on an absolute tear, with only two defeats in regulation during his last three starts, all of which were runner-up finishes at majors and signature events. But can he continue his dominance at Aronimink Golf Club? Personally, I think it's going to be a tough ask. What makes this particularly fascinating is the course setup by the PGA of America, which has annually identified the best player for that given week. In my opinion, this trend is an ode to Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America's chief championship officer, who's been universally lauded for his course setups. However, I believe that this year, the course might just be a little too tricky for Scheffler. One thing that immediately stands out is the Round 1 scoring average that ranks 77th on the PGA Tour. This is a significant drop from his previous performances, and it could be a sign that he needs better starts. From my perspective, this is a crucial factor to consider, as it could impact his overall performance. If you take a step back and think about it, the fact that Scheffler has been defeated by just two players in regulation during his last three starts is actually quite remarkable. It raises a deeper question: What makes a player truly great? Is it their ability to win majors, or is it their consistency throughout the season? In my opinion, Scheffler's recent performances suggest that he is a player who can win any given week, but he may not be the one to break the streak at the PGA Championship. Now, let's take a look at some of the potential contenders. First up is Cameron Young, who has been on a roll lately with wins at The Players and the Cadillac Championship. However, I believe that his success this year is more about learning how to close out tournaments rather than just raw talent. Next, we have Rory McIlroy, who is the only one still eligible to capture the elusive single-season grand slam. While I think he has the talent to win, I also believe that the pressure of being the only one with this opportunity could potentially work against him. Moving on, we have Matt Fitzpatrick, who has been on a roll lately with three wins so far this season. However, I think that his success is more about his ability to adapt to different course setups rather than just his talent. Now, let's talk about Jon Rahm, who has been struggling lately with two wins and five top-fives at majors from 2021-’23. I believe that his struggles are more about the LIV Golf tour than his actual talent. Finally, we have Xander Schauffele, who is flying under the radar but is getting very close to that 2024 level again. In my opinion, he is a player to watch out for, as he has the talent and the consistency to win. So, who do I think will win the 2026 PGA Championship? Well, I believe that it will be a close call between Scheffler and Schauffele. However, I think that Scheffler's recent performances and the course setup at Aronimink Golf Club might just give him the edge. But, in the end, it's anyone's game, and I think that the winner will be the one who can adapt to the course and the pressure of the moment. What this really suggests is that the 2026 PGA Championship will be a thrilling event, and I can't wait to see who comes out on top. Personally, I'm going to be watching closely, and I think that the winner will be the one who can stay calm under pressure and make the most of their opportunities. So, let the games begin!
