American Alex Smalley holds a two-stroke lead, with Rory McIlroy positioned three strokes back in a competitive field.
US PGA Championship third round
-6 A Smalley (US); -4 M Schmid (Ger), N Taylor (Can), J Rahm (Spa), A Rai (Eng), L Aberg (Swe); -3 R McIlroy (NI), X Schauffele (US), P Reed (US), M McNealy (US)
Selected others: -2 J Rose (Eng), M Kaymer (Ger), H Matsuyama (Jpn); -1 S Scheffler (US), B Koepka (US), R Fowler (US); E P Harrington (Ire), D Johnson (US), C Young (US), J Thomas (US); +3 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); +4 S Lowry (Ire)
Commonly referred to as ‘moving day,’ the third round of the US PGA Championship witnessed significant shifts on a dynamic leaderboard as contenders vied for position.
An impressive 14 players held at least a share of the lead at some juncture, with 30 golfers remaining within five strokes of the current leader, Alex Smalley, who stands at six under after carding a 68.
The demanding setup at Aronimink for the initial two days prompted comparisons to the US Open, known for its rigorous challenges.
World number one Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy voiced concerns, with Scheffler labeling some of Friday’s pin placements as “absurd.”
Responding to feedback, the PGA of America adjusted course conditions, resulting in a more accessible setup that fostered a diverse leaderboard with both established stars and emerging talents.
Several prominent players capitalized on the improved scoring opportunities early in the round.
McIlroy, who began the tournament outside the top 100, posted a 66 to reach three under, enhancing his prospects of securing his third US PGA title following his recent Masters victory.
Other major champions, including Justin Rose, who shot a 65 to move to two under, and Jon Rahm, who carded a 67 to remain two strokes off the lead, also made significant strides.
Rose is joined by Aaron Rai who seeks to become the first English winner of the championship in over a century, alongside Rahm, Ludvig Aberg, Nick Taylor and Matti Schmid on four under.
Conversely, Scheffler, the defending US PGA champion, struggled with a 71, leaving him five strokes behind the leader.
Despite the setback, Scheffler remains optimistic, stating, “It’s quite literally anybody’s tournament,” and emphasizing his determination to contend on Sunday.
US PGA round three – Smalley leads by two from Rahm, Aberg and England’s Rai – reaction
US PGA Championship round four tee-times
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Watch: Rory McIlroy ‘proud’ after 66 boosts US PGA bid
Favorable weather conditions and strategic pin placements created an environment conducive to aggressive play at the Philadelphia course.
McIlroy, teeing off ahead of the final group, seized the opportunity to apply pressure to the later starters.
Starting at one over, the two-time Masters champion surged into contention with six birdies in his first 13 holes.
McIlroy expressed his aim to reach five under to challenge the leaders, highlighting his focus on forcing them to perform under par.
Despite a late bogey, McIlroy remains a strong contender to become the sixth player to win the first two majors of the year.
Acknowledging his improved position, McIlroy stated, “I’ve climbed my way out of that hole,” expressing confidence in his chances for the final round.
A victory for McIlroy, who began the tournament outside the top 100, would mark the greatest major championship comeback after 18 holes.
Fellow Ryder Cup teammates Rose and Rahm also made significant moves. Rose, seeking his second major title, carded a bogey-free round to position himself within striking distance.
Rahm, aiming for his first major win since joining LIV Golf, remains a formidable contender despite a late setback on the 18th hole.
Reflecting on the course conditions, Rahm noted, “As hard as it is to play, the challenge can also be kind of fun if you do well,” anticipating a competitive final round.
McIlroy is paired with Xander Schauffele, while other notable pairings include past Masters champions Patrick Reed and Hideki Matsuyama.
Smalley and Schmid seek to emulate John Daly, the last player to win the US PGA without a PGA Tour victory in 1991.
Smalley, remarkably without a professional win, leads for the first time in 141 PGA Tour starts.
Despite his inexperience, Smalley recovered from early setbacks to emerge as the frontrunner.
While attention focused on the star-studded groups ahead, Smalley quietly navigated the course to regain the lead.
Smalley is paired with Schmid, also seeking his first professional win, while Taylor looks to capitalize on his strong major record.
Rai, known for his play-off success, aims to become the first Englishman since 1919 to win the Wanamaker Trophy.
Rai acknowledged the significance of the English drought, expressing his commitment to “stick in there and take what comes.”