Alex Smalley Leads PGA by 2 Shots as Rory McIlroy Chases Calendar Slam
Updated
Updated · PGA Championship · May 16
Alex Smalley Leads PGA by 2 Shots as Rory McIlroy Chases Calendar Slam
19 articles · Updated · PGA Championship · May 16
Alex Smalley will take a 6-under lead into Sunday's final round at Aronimink, two shots clear of a six-way tie at 4-under and three ahead of Rory McIlroy at 3-under.
90-degree heat, light winds and potentially accessible hole locations could turn the finale into a shootout after Saturday produced a wave of low scores.
McIlroy can keep alive a calendar Grand Slam bid with a win, claim a seventh major to pass Nick Faldo as Europe's most successful men's major champion, and complete a comeback from T-105 after round one.
Recent PGA history favors the leader: four of the past five winners were tied or ahead after 54 holes, while 14 of the last 15 champions started Sunday within two shots of the lead.
Scottie Scheffler begins at 1-under, five back, needing a rare rally despite owning the PGA Tour's best final-round scoring average at 67.22.
Can underdog Alex Smalley survive a final round chase from golf's biggest names?
On a course designed for separation, why are so many players still in contention for the PGA Championship?
Will Ludvig Åberg’s meteoric rise be capped by a major championship victory?