PGA Championship 2026 Expert Predictions for Rory McIlroy and Top Stars
Believe it or not, but the second major of 2026 is already upon us.
Just over a month ago, Rory McIlroy made another bit of history by successfully defending his 2025 Masters championship. By winning back-to-back titles at The Masters, he joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to ever do so.
Now, McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and the rest of the world's best will turn their attention to the 2026 PGA Championship.
This year's PGA Championship will be held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania and will feature an impressive field of competitors. Here, we'll examine some expert predictions for the biggest stars ahead of the opening round.
2026 PGA Championship
1 of 4
When: May 14-7
Where: Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
TV and Live Stream
Thursday: ESPN 12 โ 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2 5 - 7 p.m. ET
Friday: ESPN 12 - 8 p.m. ET
Saturday: ESPN 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET, CBS 1 - 7 p.m. ET
Sunday: ESPN 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET, CBS 1 - 7 p.m. ET
Live Stream: ESPN+, ESPN app, PGA Championship YouTube
Scottie Scheffler
2 of 4
Scottie Scheffler hasn't won since taking The American Express back in January. However, he's the heavy favorite at +480 (bet $100 to win $480), according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
According to Andy Roberts of Golf Magic, there are good reasons why Scheffler is considered the favorite.
"The world number one skipped last week's Truist Championship and comes into the PGA Championship fully rested after posting three consecutive runner-up finishes," Roberts wrote. "What makes Scheffler even more dangerous is the fact he still does not appear to have hit top gear."
Of course, no one should be surprised that Scheffler enters the weekend as the favorite. He has posted six top-five finishes this year, won last year's PGA Championship, and has logged three straight top-10 finishes at the event.
Rory McIlroy
3 of 4
While McIlroy isn't the odds-on favorite, he isn't too far off. At +850 odds,he's also one of the more enticing options among the favorites. He's had an up-and-down season so far, but McIlroy did win at Augusta and just tied for 19th at the Truist Championship.
ESPN's Mark Schlabach listed McIlroy among his "clear favorites" for this weekend's tournament.
"McIlroy said he feels better after his second Masters victory than his first last year, when he didn't win again on tour," Schlabach noted. "Rory has made only six starts this season."
While many of the top golfers lack high-pressure experience at Aronimink, McIlroy has plenty of experience at the PGA Championship. He's won the tournament twice, most recently at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Cameron Young
4 of 4
This spring, Cameron Young has gone from being a trendy sleeper pick to one of the favorites. At +1200, plenty of folks expect the 29-year-old to fare well this weekend.
With two wins and six top-10 finishes in his last seven outings, Young does appear poised to challenge Scheffler, McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and the rest of the favorites.
Brentley Romine of Golf Channel listed Young as his top contender at the PGA Championship.
"Young has won twice in his last five starts, including The Players, while also tying for third at the Masters," Romine wrote. "He's the strongest bet to win among players currently without a major title."
While Young has never won a major, he's logged seven top-10 finishes. After tying for third at The Masters, Young appears poised for major win No. 1.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
