Q&A → 2026 PGA Championship Predictions
2026 PGA Championship Predictions | Odds & Top Contenders
Top Contenders: 2026 PGA Championship
| Player | PGA Ch. Wins | World Rank | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | 0 | #1 | Ball-striking, consistency, world's best player |
| Rory McIlroy | 2 | #2 | Power, Grand Slam momentum, 2-time PGA winner |
| Brooks Koepka | 3 | Top 25 | PGA specialist, big-game elevation, 3-time winner |
| Jon Rahm | 0 | Top 10 | Elite ball-striking, major hunger (needs PGA, Open) |
| Collin Morikawa | 1 | Top 15 | Iron precision, calm under pressure, 2020 champion |
| Xander Schauffele | 1 | Top 5 | 2024 PGA champion, breakthrough major winner |
| Ludvig Åberg | 0 | Top 10 | Emerging superstar, power + precision combo |
| Viktor Hovland | 0 | Top 20 | 2023 Tour Champion, looking for first major |
Scottie Scheffler — The Favorite
Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 PGA Championship as the undisputed World No. 1 and the player everyone else is chasing. Despite not yet having claimed the Wanamaker Trophy, Scheffler has won consecutive Masters titles (2022, 2024) and has demonstrated a level of ball-striking dominance reminiscent of Tiger Woods at his peak.
Scheffler's consistency in major championships is remarkable — he rarely falters over 72 holes and his ability to grind through difficult course setups is his greatest weapon. At a PGA Championship venue that demands precision off the tee and relentless iron accuracy, Scheffler's profile fits perfectly. His one missing major is the PGA Championship, and 2026 could be the year he claims it.
Rory McIlroy — Grand Slam Momentum
Rory McIlroy arrives at the 2026 PGA Championship as a two-time winner of the event (2012, 2014) riding the wave of his 2025 Masters victory — the win that completed his Career Grand Slam and confirmed his place among the all-time greats. McIlroy has historically performed exceptionally at PGA Championship venues, particularly those that reward length and iron precision.
The emotional weight lifted by his Masters win could free McIlroy to compete with a level of freedom that was previously absent. He no longer has any major that "haunts" him — he has won them all. That psychological shift, combined with his proven PGA Championship pedigree, makes him among the most dangerous players in the field.
Brooks Koepka — The PGA Championship Specialist
If there is a single player in the modern era defined by the PGA Championship, it is Brooks Koepka. His three victories at this event — back-to-back in 2018 and 2019, then again in 2023 — represent a level of major championship specificity that borders on supernatural. Koepka genuinely elevates in major championship environments in a way few players in history have matched.
Now on LIV Golf, Koepka's access to competitive rounds is reduced compared to full PGA Tour players, but his major championship record proves he can arrive cold and still perform at an elite level. At any PGA Championship, you have to start your predictions with Koepka in the top tier — regardless of recent form.
Jon Rahm — Completing His Own Slam
Jon Rahm has won two majors: the 2021 US Open and the 2023 Masters. The PGA Championship and The Open Championship are the two he still needs to complete the Career Grand Slam. Of the two, the PGA Championship may suit his game best — Rahm's combination of raw power, exceptional iron play, and ability to score on demanding layouts lines up perfectly with the PGA Championship's typical setup.
Despite joining LIV Golf in late 2023, Rahm remains eligible for all four majors and remains among the best ball-strikers in the game. If he is in form leading into the 2026 PGA Championship, he is a genuine winner.
Collin Morikawa — The Silent Contender
Collin Morikawa's iron play is the finest in professional golf. His ability to hit greens in regulation at an elite percentage — and to do so under major championship pressure — was on full display during his 2020 PGA Championship win at TPC Harding Park and his 2021 Open Championship victory at Royal St. George's.
Morikawa is methodical, precise, and utterly composed under pressure. At a PGA Championship venue where approach shots to fast, difficult greens will determine the winner, his profile may be the best fit in the entire field. He enters 2026 as a major champion looking for a second PGA title that would cement his status as a generational player.
Historical PGA Championship Patterns
| Pattern | Details |
|---|---|
| Repeat winners are common | Nicklaus 5x, Tiger 4x, Koepka 3x, McIlroy 2x — more repeat winners than any major |
| Elite ball-strikers win | Unlike Augusta or links, PGA setups reward precision iron play over creativity |
| World No. 1 has edge | The game's best player at time of tournament wins ~25% of the time |
| Sunday leaderboards tighten | PGA Sunday is known for tight, pressure-packed finishes — mental toughness crucial |
| Rough matters | PGA of America typically sets up the heaviest rough of the four majors |
| LIV players are eligible | Koepka, Rahm, and other LIV players may compete in all four majors |
Recent PGA Championship Winners (2018–2025)
| Year | Winner | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Scottie Scheffler | Quail Hollow Club, NC | -17 |
| 2024 | Xander Schauffele | Valhalla Golf Club, KY | -21 |
| 2023 | Brooks Koepka | Oak Hill Country Club, NY | -9 |
| 2022 | Justin Thomas | Southern Hills CC, OK | -5 |
| 2021 | Phil Mickelson | Kiawah Island, SC | -6 |
| 2020 | Collin Morikawa | TPC Harding Park, CA | -13 |
| 2019 | Brooks Koepka | Bethpage Black, NY | -8 |
| 2018 | Brooks Koepka | Bellerive CC, MO | -16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored for the 2026 PGA Championship?
Early favorites include Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1), Rory McIlroy (2-time PGA champion, 2025 Masters winner), and Brooks Koepka (3-time PGA champion). Collin Morikawa and Jon Rahm are also in the top tier.
How many PGA Championships has Brooks Koepka won?
Brooks Koepka has won 3 PGA Championships: 2018 (Bellerive), 2019 (Bethpage Black), and 2023 (Oak Hill). No active player comes close to his PGA Championship record.
Has Scottie Scheffler ever won the PGA Championship?
As of this writing, no — Scheffler has not yet won a PGA Championship. He won the Masters in 2022 and 2024, making the PGA Championship the major he most needs to add to his résumé.
What course is the 2026 PGA Championship played on?
The 2026 PGA Championship is scheduled for Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania — a storied Donald Ross design that has not hosted a major PGA event in decades.
Can Jon Rahm win the 2026 PGA Championship?
Yes. Rahm is a two-time major champion and one of the best ball-strikers in the game. He needs both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship to complete the Career Grand Slam. His game profile suits demanding PGA Championship setups very well.