The 108th PGA Championship kicks off this Thursday at Aronimink in suburban Philadelphia, and all eyes are on two familiar names. Only two players in the field have single-digit odds: Scottie Scheffler at +400 and Rory McIlroy at +750. So, is this major already a two-man race?
Before we crown either favorite, let's dig into what makes Aronimink tick. It's a par-70 layout that demands precision over power. McIlroy himself noted on Tuesday, "Strategy off the tee is pretty nonexistent." Instead, he emphasized, "The greens are the main focus this week... getting yourself in the right sections of the greens, making sure you leave yourself below the hole." That's a subtle but crucial tip for anyone watching—or playing—this week.
Statistically, the approach game will be king. Brooks Koepka, in a resurgent season, leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approaches. He's followed by Collin Morikawa and Adam Scott. McIlroy ranks seventh in that category, while Scheffler sits at 42nd. That gap could matter on a course where green placement is everything.
But don't sleep on Cameron Young. It's early to call him a generational talent, but he's undeniably a generational contender. Young has posted at least a T4 finish at every major, and he was the lone bright spot for the U.S. Ryder Cup team at Bethpage. He ranks second on Tour in strokes gained and third in the world rankings. At the Masters last month, he held the lead for a few holes before fading. He's knocking on the door, and Aronimink could be where he finally kicks it down.
Then there's McIlroy. After his historic Masters win, he took a well-earned break and shook off the rust last week at the Truist Championship. More importantly, he has history at Aronimink. In 2018, he shot a course-record 62 in the first round of the BMW Championship and finished fifth. That kind of comfort on a course—especially after a major win—makes him a dangerous pick.
So, will this be a battle between Scheffler and McIlroy? Or will a dark horse like Young or a resurgent Koepka steal the spotlight? One thing's for sure: this week at Aronimink is shaping up to be a classic.
