Major number 2 of the season, the PGA Championship, is upon us. Hosted at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, we're in for a treat this week, and some actually favorable odds for some of my favorite plays this week. 2025 winner Scottie Scheffler is back to defend his title, and looks to become the 14th player to win this event multiple times. That isn't the only storyline we're watching this week, as Jordan Spieth is making his 10th attempt at completing the career Grand Slam. Will Spieth or Scottie get it done, or will a new winner emerge?

Let's dive in!

PGA Championship 2026 Predictions

The PGA Championship includes one of the most unique fields in golf year after year. This is one of the few times that PGA Professionals have a chance to play throughout the year, with the top 20 from the PGA Professional Championship in attendance. Additionally, we have 14 previous PGA Champions teeing it up this week, and a 15th player who is one of only two in attendance to have won at this venue in Justin Rose. 

With such a diverse field of talent, a basically brand new venue, and many players entering on hot streaks of performance, who has what it takes to take home the victory?

 

 

The Masters Free Picks Featuring Patrick Reed & Jake Knapp

Jordan Spieth To Finish Top 20 (+235 at DraftKings)

Spieth is making his 10th attempt at completing the career grand slam, and while he hasn't shown us the ability to win a golf tournament since 2022, he's showing signs that he's extremely close to breaking through again. Spieth has had weeks where he's been the best putter in the field, best iron player in the field, and best driver in the field, but he's yet to put it all together in a single event. Aronimink is a venue that I think will allow him to do exactly that.

Spieth has been long off the tee all season, but his accuracy has improved in recent weeks though accuracy isn't projecting to be a heavy factor this week. His best approach ranges are ones we expect to see heavily this week (75-100 yards and 125-150 yards), and his high level scrambling ability will be huge at this venue. He ranks above field average in 3-Putt-Avoidance, and his scoring numbers are top 30 in the field. Not much has to go right for Spieth this week if he keeps playing like he has this season.

 

PGA Championship One & Done Pick: Scottie Scheffler

This may feel like a no-brainer, but I've been pretty anti-Scottie this season. That said, he's showing signs of getting back to the Scottie we're used to seeing. He's within .25 strokes per round ball-striking of his 2023-2025 averages over his last 16 rounds, and has recorded 3 straight runner up finishes. Not only is his game peaking at the right time, but he's also the best player in the field when the competition gets tough, as he leads the field in Strokes Gained: Total in Strong/Very Strong fields.

He's having arguably the best putting season of his career, is back to being an elite ball-striker, and is 2nd in the field around the green. With most of his game remaining elite, the ball-striking with the irons on approach is the thing that has held him back the most this season, and it's back to near elite levels. I know we try and save Scottie, but this is absolutely the time I'm unleashing him.

 

 

PGA Championship Long Shot Pick: Rickie Fowler (68/1 at DraftKings)

Yes, Rickie hasn't won on tour since 2023. Yes, he's never won a major. Aronimink might be the best chance he has at winning one, so why not have a little fun?

Rickie has 3 straight top 10 finishes, including a runner up finish last week at the Truist Championship. His iron play is as consistent as it has been in years, and he's gained strokes off the tee in all but one of his events in 2026. He's one of the few players in the field who has played Aronimink in the 3 events it's hosted since 2010, and he's got a top 15 and top 10 finish in those starts. His putter has been an elite weapon for him this year, and his approach putting and 3-putt-avoidance numbers have been strong. Why not Rickie in 2026?