Smalley takes two-shot PGA Championship lead into final round at Aronimink

The 2026 PGA Championship is set for a dramatic conclusion with Rory McIlroy among those with a chance of triumphing at Aronimink Golf Club.

Philadelphia loves an underdog, but it’s probably best if the trumpeter waits another day before he strikes up the opening notes of the Rocky theme.

Smalley, without so much as a PGA Tour win to his name, took a grip of the championship on Saturday evening as he birdied four of the last six holes to pull two shots clear of the pack at Aronimink Golf Club.

The unheralded 29-year-old American, chasing his first PGA Tour title in only his fifth major start, fired a two-under-par 68 to stand on six-under 204 after 54 holes at Aronimink with an epic Sunday showdown in store.