NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — If you've watched Alex Smalley glide through his rounds at the 2026 PGA Championship, you might think he's just another quiet, unassuming golfer finding his way. But those who know him best will tell you: don't let the calm demeanor fool you. This guy is tougher than nails.
Take it from Jamie Green, Smalley's former head coach at Duke. He recalls a pivotal moment from the 2018 NCAA Championship that reveals everything you need to know about Smalley's competitive fire. The Blue Devils had just secured the No. 2 seed and were facing a Texas team stacked with future stars. In match play, coaches set their lineups like a Presidents Cup showdown, and Green had a critical decision: who would take on Texas's most intimidating player, a senior powerhouse destined for greatness?
"I intentionally put Alex Smalley against Scottie Scheffler," Green said.
Yes, that Scottie Scheffler—the same guy who would go on to dominate the PGA Tour and win multiple majors. At the time, Smalley was a relatively unknown junior from North Carolina. But in that lead-off match, he didn't just compete; he dominated. After four all-square holes, Smalley caught fire, winning five of the next six holes to secure a stunning 5-and-4 victory. The win propelled Duke to a 3-2 triumph and a spot in the semifinals.
Legend has it that even Scheffler was caught off guard. "Who the f*** is this guy?" he reportedly asked as Smalley kept pouring in birdies.
Fast forward to 2026, and that same "guy" is making waves at Aronimink. Now 29, Smalley hasn't yet won on the PGA Tour, and this is only his fifth major championship appearance. But being in contention at a major? That's no surprise to those who've watched him battle. While his career hasn't followed the same meteoric rise as Scheffler's—who now has multiple green jackets and a reputation as the world's best—Smalley's grit and determination have always been there, simmering beneath the surface.
As he sits just off the lead at the PGA Championship, Smalley is proving that the same fire that burned in college is still burning bright. For golf fans who love an underdog story, he's the perfect reminder that in this game, toughness often speaks louder than trophies—and that the quietest players can sometimes make the biggest noise.