The 2026 PGA Championship is proving to be a true test of skill at Aronimink Golf Club. After Thursday's opening round, the scoring average hovered just above 2-over par at 72.261—far from the 12- to 15-under predictions some experts had floated. Jon Rahm, who opened with a 1-under 69, summed it up best: "People thought it would be lower? Have you been out there? Have you seen the golf course?"

Friday brings a fresh set of challenges with new hole locations. The good news? The rain is expected to clear, with temperatures climbing into the mid-60s. But don't expect an easy ride—the greens will only get firmer as the weekend progresses, adding another layer of difficulty.

Let's break down the key holes to watch in Round 2:

Hole 8 (Par 3, 173 yards)
After playing as the toughest hole on the course Thursday at 245 yards, the eighth gets a reprieve in length. But don't be fooled—the flag is tucked dangerously behind a bunker, and the green's slopes all funnel away from that spot. Anything left will roll farther left, while flying too long sends the ball toward the back of the putting surface. Precision is everything here.

Hole 9 (Par 5, 590 yards)
The easiest hole on Thursday returns at a slightly shorter 590 yards. With the pin placed in the front-middle portion of the green, this is prime birdie territory—42 players made birdie here in Round 1. But there's a catch: the entire green funnels toward that spot, so coming up short risks the ball rolling off the green. Pros will be aggressive, but eagles remain rare.

As you gear up for the weekend, remember that course management and the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you're playing a similar layout or just dreaming of Aronimink, stay sharp—and stay dry.