The 2026 PGA Championship is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter in major championship history, as the world's best golfers—from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf—converge just outside Philadelphia for the season's second major. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler arrives fresh off three consecutive runner-up finishes, aiming to join an elite club as only the third player to successfully defend the Wanamaker Trophy. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy is chasing his own piece of history, looking to sweep the first two majors of the season.
Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are eager to shake off a disappointing Masters and the swirling uncertainty around LIV Golf's future, determined to remind everyone they belong among the game's elite. Cameron Young, meanwhile, has emerged as a consistent threat every time he steps onto the tee box, and he'll look to cement his status with a breakthrough major victory.
But while the spotlight shines on these headliners at Aronimink Golf Club, the PGA Championship has a storied tradition of producing unexpected champions. From Shaun Micheel's stunning triumph to Y.E. Yang's upset over Tiger Woods and Jimmy Walker's breakthrough, the Wanamaker Trophy has often found its way into the hands of long shots. This year, several players further down the odds sheet are hoping to add their names to that list.
Aronimink, though rarely used for top-tier events, hosted the 2018 BMW Championship and plays as a demanding second-shot course where the greens are the true test. To identify potential sleepers this week, we're focusing on players who have delivered strong ball-striking performances throughout the season and have been positive on the greens in 2026. These five fit the bill perfectly—and could find themselves in contention come Sunday in Philly.
Rickie Fowler's resurgent play this season makes him a particularly intriguing candidate to finally capture that elusive major championship. With his combination of experience, recent form, and a course that rewards precision, he's a name to watch closely.
Who will hoist the Wanamaker Trophy, and which long shots will stun the golfing world? Keep an eye on these five sleepers—they just might make this year's PGA Championship one for the ages.