PGA Championship 2026: The Field Gathers at Aronimink for Golf’s Second MajorThe eyes of the sporting world are turning toward Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, as the 2026 PGA Championship field officially gathers at the historic Aronimink Golf Club. This marks the 108th edition of the tournament, and the excitement is palpable as practice rounds begin for what promises to be a grueling test of skill and mental toughness. With the strongest field in golf competing for the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy, the event is set to run from May 11 to May 17, 2026. Scottie Scheffler Leads the Charge as Defending ChampionWorld number one Scottie Scheffler enters the week with a massive target on his back. Having secured the title last year at Quail Hollow, Scheffler is in peak form and remains the man to beat in Philadelphia. His consistency on the green and clinical approach to difficult courses make him the heavy favorite among analysts. However, the defending champion faces a field packed with hungry challengers who are desperate to claim their own piece of major history at Aronimink Golf Club 2026. The Contenders: McIlroy, Young, and the LIV ChallengeWhile Scheffler is the frontrunner, the list of potential winners is long and distinguished. Rory McIlroy, fresh off his 2026 Masters victory, is looking to complete a rare back-to-back major run. Joining him is Cameron Young, who has been in "red-hot" form this season, recently winning the Cadillac Championship to climb to world number three. The field also features prominent names from the LIV Golf circuit, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, both of whom have the distance and experience to conquer Aronimink’s challenging layout. Notably, the field includes 29 major champions and 15 former PGA Championship winners, ensuring that the level of competition remains at an all-time high. Key Stats and Tournament DataTo understand the scale of this event, one must look at the diverse qualifications of the players involved. The field is not just made up of touring pros but also includes dedicated club professionals who earned their spots through rigorous qualifying. Total Players: 156 golfers Major Champions in Field: 29PGA Professionals: 20 members of the Corebridge Financial TeamTournament Dates: May 14–17 for championship roundsTop 10 World Ranking (as of May 2026):Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy Cameron YoungMatt FitzpatrickJustin RoseCollin MorikawaTommy FleetwoodRussell HenleyJ.J. SpaunXander SchauffeleNotable Absences and Last-Minute InvitesDespite the star-studded lineup, there are some high-profile names missing from the PGA fairways this week. Tiger Woods is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program in Switzerland and is not expected to compete. Similarly, Phil Mickelson has been absent for much of the season due to family matters and is also a confirmed non-starter. On a brighter note, LIV star Dustin Johnson secured a last-minute invite to join the field, adding even more star power to the 2026 PGA Championship field.What to Expect at Aronimink Golf ClubAronimink is known for its long par-fours and undulating greens that require precise iron play. For the Malaysian audience following from home, this means the tournament will likely be won by the player who can best manage their mistakes. The "Championship+" grounds tickets are already sold out for the weekend, indicating a massive local crowd will be present to cheer on the world's best. As the first tee times approach, the question remains: Can Scheffler hold off a surging Rory McIlroy, or will a new face rise to claim the Wanamaker Trophy?