Alex Smalley Leads 2026 PGA Championship by 2 Strokes

Alex Smalley is leading the 2026 PGA Championship by two strokes. This is a big lead in a very close tournament with 13 players having been tied for the lead earlier.
By Newsroom | Sports, Golf |

Alex Smalley finds himself at the apex of the 2026 US PGA Championship leaderboard, holding a two-stroke advantage heading into the final round at Aronimink Golf Club. Smalley, a golfer yet to register a professional victory, navigated the demanding course to secure this prominent position.

London police out in force to deal with rival rallies and a soccer final - 1

The field, characterized by a notable lack of separation, sees 13 players occupying the lead position at various junctures of the third round, often termed "Moving Day." This illustrates a tightly contested tournament where dominance has been fleeting. Several golfers are positioned just a single shot behind the leader, further underscoring the congested nature of the standings.

London police out in force to deal with rival rallies and a soccer final - 2

Rory McIlroy is among the prominent contenders sharing a clubhouse lead, having posted a third-round 66. His performance included a birdie on the sixth hole, bringing him to 4-under par for the tournament. Stephan Jaeger also made his mark, recording a birdie on the par-4 sixth hole, though a bogey on the par-3 eighth punctuated his round. Kirk’s performance featured eight birdies, reaching 4-under par by the 17th hole.

Read More: Malik Nabers' Knee Injury: Return to Play Unclear for 2026 Season

London police out in force to deal with rival rallies and a soccer final - 3

The championship, known for its "deepest field in golf," presents a significant challenge to all participants. This year's event unfolds at Aronimink Golf Club, a venue that has not hosted a major tournament in several decades but carries historical significance within American golf.

London police out in force to deal with rival rallies and a soccer final - 4

Final round coverage is scheduled to commence on Sky Sports Golf at 4 pm. The broadcast will also be available live on Sky Sports in the UK. Tee times for the final round, commencing on Hole 1, are staggered, with notable pairings including Scottie Scheffler against David Puig, and Rory McIlroy alongside Xander Schauffele.

Read More: 2026 PGA Championship purse is $20.5 million for golfers

The championship has seen a variety of recent victors, including Scottie Scheffler in 2025 and Xander Schauffele in 2024. Past champions like Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas also feature prominently in the event's recent history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is leading the 2026 PGA Championship after the third round?
Alex Smalley is leading the 2026 PGA Championship by two strokes. He has not won a professional event before.
Q: How many players were tied for the lead during the third round?
Thirteen players were tied for the lead at different times during the third round, showing how close the competition is.
Q: Who are some other top golfers near the lead?
Rory McIlroy is one shot behind the leader after shooting a 66 in the third round. Stephan Jaeger and Kirk are also close.
Q: When and where can I watch the final round?
The final round coverage starts on Sky Sports Golf at 4 pm on Sunday. It will also be live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Q: Who is playing in the final round pairings?
Notable pairings include Scottie Scheffler with David Puig, and Rory McIlroy with Xander Schauffele.