Show summary Hide summary
Joaquin Niemann sits just one shot behind the lead entering Sunday’s final round at the 2026 PGA Championship. The Chilean star will chase Alex Smalley across the challenging Aronimink layout in his bid for major glory. Can Niemann mount a comeback charge to claim golf’s only all-professional major?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Leader: Alex Smalley at -6 (6-under par) after three rounds
- Niemann’s Position: Tied for second at -2 (2-under), four shots back of the lead
- Course: Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
- Sunday Tee Time: 1:25 PM ET, paired with Justin Rose
Niemann’s Slow Burn at Aronimink
Joaquin Niemann fired a solid 68 in Round 3 to climb into contention. The Chilean golfer, who missed the Masters earlier this spring, has quietly posted steady rounds on the demanding Aronimink course. Niemann knows he needs a low score in Sunday’s final round to catch the leader.
The LIV Golf star won five times in 2025 and captured his seventh LIV Golf victory earlier this year. His experience in high-pressure events gives him confidence heading into the final eighteen holes.
Joaquin Niemann tied for second at PGA Championship, one shot back entering Sunday’s final round
Adam Driver deflects Lena Dunham questions at Cannes, says he’s saving response for book
Smalley’s Dramatic Day Atop the Leaderboard
Alex Smalley made headlines with an incredible back-nine 31 in Round 3. The 29-year-old American had stumbled with three bogeys early in his round but recovered spectacularly. Despite never winning on the PGA Tour, Smalley holds the prize inside his grasp heading into eighteen final holes.
Smalley finished Round 3 with a 68 to reach -6 overall. His two-shot lead is comfortable, but not insurmountable on a wide-open leaderboard where seven players sit within four shots of the lead.
The Crowded Chase at Aronimink
| Position | Player | Score |
| Lead | Alex Smalley | -6 |
| T2 | Joaquin Niemann, Matti Schmid, Nick Taylor, Jon Rahm, Aaron Rai, Ludvig Aberg | -2 to -4 |
| Other Major Names | Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler | Even to -3 |
The leaderboard at Aronimink bunches up dramatically, with Justin Rose, Patrick Reed, and Maverick McNealy all within striking distance at -3. Major champions like McIlroy and Scheffler remain dangerous lurking just behind, ready to make a move.
A Brutal Course Demands Excellence
Aronimink Golf Club has proven relentless all week, guarding against low scores with demanding fairways, deep bunkers, and thick rough. The Philadelphia-area course sits outside Newtown Square and has humbled the game’s best players. Niemann must navigate the test flawlessly to mount a potential victory.
The Chilean star acknowledged yesterday that the course is ‘crazy difficult‘ after his Round 3 performance. Every shot counts in the battle for the Wanamaker Trophy and the prestige of winning golf’s only all-professional major.
“It’s brutal out there. The course is demanding everything you have. I’m ready for Sunday.”
— Joaquin Niemann, Round 3 Press Conference
Sunday’s Final Round, Tee Times and Television Coverage
Joaquin Niemann will tee off at 1:25 PM ET with Justin Rose in the penultimate pairing. Alex Smalley and Matti Schmid will play in the final group at 2:35 PM ET. The championship concludes on Sunday, May 17 with wall-to-wall coverage across all platforms.
Niemann must overcome his four-shot deficit against a leader who has proven capable of low scores. The dynamic leaderboard means McIlroy, Scheffler, and Rahm could steal the show, but Niemann holds every tool to make a run. Will Sunday bring heartbreak or triumph for the Chilean challenger?
Sources
- PGA Tour – Final Round live updates and leaderboard from Aronimink Golf Club
- Golf Channel – Real-time scoring and Round 3 recap coverage
- USA Today – PGA Championship leaderboard and third round highlights
