Ladbrokes previews the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club
Scottie Scheffler is the early favourite with Masters winner Rory McIlroy the main challenger
Cameron Young, Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick are among the outside contenders

The second major of 2026 has almost arrived as golf's very best battle it out in the PGA Championship between 14-17 May, 2026.
Aronimink Golf Club will host the tournament for the first time in 64 years, with world No1 Scottie Scheffler the early favourite to defend his title and keep hold of the Wanamaker Trophy, but 2026 Masters winner Rory McIlroy is also eyeing more success in the USA after storming to victory at Augusta last month.
Scottie Scheffler heads the market and it’s easy to understand why. The world No.1 continues to dominate the biggest events in golf thanks to his relentless consistency from tee to green, and another demanding PGA Championship setup should suit him perfectly. If he putts well, he’ll take some stopping.
McIlroy sits second in the betting and looks one of the strongest challengers to Scheffler. The Northern Irishman has an excellent PGA Championship record and his combination of power and experience makes him a major threat whenever he arrives in form. A second successive major triumph would keep him on course for the unprecedented achievement of winning all four majors in a calendar year.
Cameron Young has also emerged as one of the leading names in the market after a breakout season which has included multiple big wins and strong major performances. His aggressive style and length off the tee could make him perfectly suited to Aronimink, and bookies now have him among the leading contenders.
Jon Rahm remains firmly in the conversation thanks to his proven major pedigree, while Bryson DeChambeau’s power game gives him obvious appeal on a long and demanding layout. The duo will take to the course amid the backdrop of growing uncertainty surrounding the future of LIV Golf following the Saudi Public Investment Fund's announcement that it will withdraw funding at the end of 2026.
Elsewhere, Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Aberg also continue to attract support after their recent consistency in elite events.
Brooks Koepka can never be discounted in this type of event, having repeatedly shown an ability to peak for majors and contend under pressure whenever he gets himself into the mix.
Few players are more reliable in big tournaments than Tommy Fleetwood, who looks another solid each-way option if conditions become difficult across the week.
Matt Fitzpatrick also looks an interesting outsider option and has growing support given his strong major pedigree, recently impressing at the Masters, and ability to thrive on demanding course setups. Aronimink is expected to reward accurate ball-striking and patience, both of which suit the Englishman’s game perfectly.
Meanwhile, Viktor Hovland could represent huge value if his short game holds up, because his ball-striking is already among the best on tour.
Winner: Scottie Scheffler – The world No.1 remains the safest pick in the field given his consistency in majors and ability to handle demanding setups like Aronimink.
Main challenger: Rory McIlroy – A multiple PGA Championship winner who continues to thrive on big stages and looks the most likely player to push Scheffler all the way.
First-round leader: Cameron Young – One of the fastest starters on tour and the kind of aggressive player who can go low early before conditions toughen up across the weekend.
Top-five finish: Matt Fitzpatrick – His strong record on difficult layouts and proven ability to compete in majors make him an excellent value option for a high finish.
Top-10 finish: Tommy Fleetwood – Fleetwood’s reliability and steady major record make him an ideal option for a top-10 play at a demanding course setup.
Dual forecast: Scottie Scheffler / Rory McIlroy – The two clear standouts at the top of the market and the most likely pairing to dominate the leaderboard if both bring their best golf.
2025 – Scottie Scheffler
2024 – Xander Schauffele
2023 – Brooks Koepka
2022 – Justin Thomas
2021 – Phil Mickelson
2020 – Collin Morikawa
2019 – Brooks Koepka
2018 – Brooks Koepka
2017 – Justin Thomas
2016 – Jimmy Walker
All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.