The 2026 PGA Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with Cameron Smith making a remarkable charge to stay in the title hunt. Smith's performance on the final day in Pennsylvania is a testament to his resilience and skill, as he closed the gap on the leader, Alex Smalley, with a series of birdies. What makes this even more intriguing is the contrast between Smith's initial struggles and his eventual surge, reminiscent of his 2022 British Open triumph.
Smith's front nine was a rollercoaster, with three birdies and a few close calls. He narrowly missed a lip-out on the fifth hole and an eagle attempt on the ninth, showcasing his precision and determination. However, his luck didn't hold, as he also missed a tricky birdie putt on the 14th and hooked his 15th tee shot, leading to a greenside bunker. Despite these setbacks, Smith's ability to get up and down for par demonstrated his mental fortitude.
The Australian's performance on the back nine was equally impressive, with a par on the only par five and a steady approach to the game. Yet, a late stumble on the 17th, where he sent his tee shot wide right and missed a long putt, resulted in his first bogey of the round. This minor setback, however, didn't deter Smith's momentum, as he remained in the running with a 5-under score.
The competition is fierce, with Smith level on 5-under with Justin Thomas, a two-time champion. Thomas, who equaled the PGA Championship record, faced a similar deficit after a bogey on the third hole but recovered with six birdies in 12 holes. His final-round 5-under 65 performance at Aronimink Golf Club kept his hopes alive for a third Wanamaker Trophy.
The story of this tournament is not just about individual performances but also the resilience of the underdogs. Alex Smalley, despite being winless in 140 PGA Tour starts, maintained his lead early on before dropping back with a double bogey on six. This highlights the unpredictability and excitement of the PGA Championship, where anything can happen.
As the tournament unfolds, the battle for the top spot intensifies, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. With Smith's resurgence and Thomas' determination, the final round promises to be a spectacle. The question remains: who will emerge as the champion, and will Smith's 2022 triumph serve as a blueprint for success?
