US PGA Championship 2026: Alex Smalley leads, McIlroy, Rahm, Rose, Rye and Scheffler in mix

The third round of golf is traditionally known as ‘Action Day,’ and on Saturday at the US PGA Championship, the stars and little lights lived up to the billing on a crowded and fast-moving leaderboard.

Incredibly, 14 players have at least a share of the lead, and the 30s are five shots off Sunday’s final round with impressive leader Alex Smalley’s two-under 68 at 6 under.

During the first two days at Aronimink, the more serious aspects of the course’s layout generated much discussion, as did the harsh scrutiny often reserved for the US Open.

Scotty Scheffler and Rory McIlroy – the world’s best duo – were among those who weighed less than the organic observations, with the former going so far as to describe some of Friday’s pin positions as “absurd”.

The PGA of America listened. The governing body has raised some fingers and made more pins more accessible, which, combined with more amenities, has produced a classic major leaderboard with harder balls and lesser-known names.

Many big time players have capitalized on the more favorable scoring conditions in the early stages.

After a 100-over opening 74 on Thursday, he improved to a three-over 67 on Friday to boost his hopes of following up last month’s successful Masters defense with a third US PGA title.

Other major winners to top the leaderboard included Justin Rose, whose perfect 65 left him at two under and revived his hopes of an elusive second major, and John Rahm, who was off the lead after carding a 67 to continue his quest for a third career Grand Slam.

Aaron Rye is not the only man trying to end the 107-year wait for an English winner at this Championship, with Rahm, Ludwig Aberg, Nick Taylor and Matty Schmidt at four under.

Not everyone prospered. Scheffler, who shot a 65 on Saturday en route to winning the US PGA last year, surprisingly shot a stuttering 71 with five under par.

More to follow.