The season's second major championship is finally here, and all eyes are on Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, as it hosts the PGA Championship for the first time. This historic venue promises a thrilling test for the world's best golfers, and we've broken down the entire 156-player field to help you get ready for the action.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler arrives as the world No. 1, having claimed last year's title at Quail Hollow. However, the Data Golf trend table suggests he might not be the man to beat this week. That honor belongs to Cameron Young, who tops the rankings ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Åberg. Young has been on fire, winning twice in his last five starts—including The Players—and adding a T-3 at the Masters. He's the strongest pick among players still chasing their first major victory, and his momentum is undeniable.
Aronimink has a rich history with three previous PGA Tour events, most recently the 2018 BMW Championship, plus the AT&T National in 2010 and 2011. The course rewards power and precision approach shots—no surprise there—but putting might carry more weight than usual, while driving accuracy takes a backseat compared to typical major venues. The par-3s are especially demanding, 180 bunkers dot the landscape, and the undulating Donald Ross greens are pure bentgrass. Expect a test that separates the contenders from the pretenders.
Without further delay, let's dive into the top of our field rankings, where the game's elite are ready to battle. The last 20 spots are reserved for the Corebridge Financial team—club pros who rarely make the cut and are even less likely to replicate Michael Block's heroics at Oak Hill. Here's who's leading the pack:
1. Cameron Young — The hottest player in golf right now, with two wins and a T-3 at the Masters in his last five starts. He leads the Tour in par-3 scoring, ranks top 5 in strokes gained off the tee, and excels in proximity to the hole. It's time for him to capture his first major title.
2. Scottie Scheffler — Despite a slightly lower spot in the trends, Scheffler has posted three straight runner-up finishes. He's third in strokes gained off the tee and around the green, though his iron-play proximity is a minor concern.
3. Jon Rahm — The LIV Golf star has been dominant, with two wins and a second in his last four starts. But his T-38 at the Masters raises questions about his major form. Can he bounce back on a course that suits his power game?
