Rory McIlroy arrives at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club with a chance to make European golf history. The Northern Irishman will attempt to win a third PGA Championship title and claim the seventh major championship of his career, which would move him past Nick Faldo and make him the most successful European golfer in men’s major history.
The second major of the season begins May 14 in Pennsylvania, with McIlroy entering as one of the favorites after winning consecutive Masters titles at Augusta National earlier this year. The PGA Championship will return to Aronimink for the first time since 1962, when Gary Player captured the title.
McIlroy heads into the week after an uneven performance at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, where he rebounded from a third-round 75 with a closing 67. He also addressed a minor injury concern before traveling to Philadelphia.
“Yeah, I’ve got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot,” McIlroy told reporters. “But it’s underneath my nail. So I can’t really get to it or so it’s a little sore, but I’ll be alright.”
Rory McIlroy Targets Historic Seventh Major Championship
GettyRory McIlroy of Northern Ireland
A victory this week would give McIlroy seven career majors, tying Arnold Palmer and making him the winningest European golfer in major championship history.
McIlroy currently sits level with Faldo on six majors after his latest Masters triumph. He also has two previous PGA Championship victories and finished fifth at Aronimink during the 2018 BMW Championship.
The world No. 2 said he already made an early scouting visit to the course and plans to reduce his workload during tournament week.
“No, I lived there for a week. I just played it every day. I think that’s allowed,” McIlroy joked when asked about his preparation for Aronimink.
He later clarified that the visit lasted one day and explained why he wanted to see the course early.
“It was nice to get an early look at it,” McIlroy said. “Historically the practice rounds at the PGA can be excruciatingly long, so it’s probably going to just be nine holes Tuesday, nine holes Wednesday.”
McIlroy also believes the layout fits his game.
“I’m excited for it,” he told Sky Sports. “I think it fits my game pretty well. It seems like there’s going to be a lot of drivers, a lot of wedges, especially on the front nine.”
The course is expected to reward strong iron play and careful approach shots. Aronimink features long par threes, thick rough, and undulating greens that could be a major factor throughout the week.
Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick Lead Challengers
GettyMatthew Fitzpatrick of England and Scottie Scheffler of the United States
Scottie Scheffler again enters a major championship alongside McIlroy as one of the main contenders. The world No. 1 will try to defend his PGA Championship title after McIlroy edged him at Augusta last month.
The two players have combined to win five of the last nine majors.
Matt Fitzpatrick also arrives in strong form. The Englishman won the RBC Heritage by defeating Scheffler in a playoff and later captured the Zurich Classic alongside his brother Alex Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick already owns three PGA Tour wins this season.
Justin Rose returns to a course where he has previously succeeded. Rose won the AT&T National at Aronimink in 2010 and captured his only major title at nearby Merion Golf Club in 2013.
Rose recently changed equipment ahead of the championship, switching to McLaren Golf irons shortly before the event.
Collin Morikawa remains another player to watch after posting consistent major performances throughout his career. Morikawa owns 10 top-10 finishes in 25 major starts and tied for seventh at Augusta despite dealing with a back issue.
Jordan Spieth will also seek a career Grand Slam this week. Spieth has not won on the PGA Tour since 2022 but recorded four top-12 finishes this season and said after Augusta that it was “the best I ever hit it here.”
Rory McIlroy Addresses Swing Concerns Before Aronimink
GettyRory McIlroy of Northern Ireland
McIlroy also spent significant time working on his swing following the Truist Championship.
“I started to hit it left yesterday with everything,” he said after the final round. “I spent a good bit of time on the range last night just trying to straighten it out.”
McIlroy explained that left-to-right winds during practice sessions contributed to the issue.
“That’s sort of my bad habit at the minute and I just have to be aware of it,” he said. “I was much more aware of it and did a better job of managing it today.”
The PGA Championship begins Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club, where McIlroy now has a chance to add another chapter to his major championship career.
Rory McIlroy Chasing History at PGA Championship to Become Most Successful European Ever