The 2026 PGA Championship will feature a star-studded field, as the best from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf collide just outside of Philadelphia for the second major championship of the season. Defending PGA champion Scottie Scheffler comes in fresh off three straight runner-up finishes, looking to become just the third player to go back-to-back at the PGA. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, is aiming to go back-to-back in the first two majors this season.
Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are trying to shake off a rough Masters and all the noise surrounding LIV Golf's questionable future to remind everyone they belong in the conversation with the best in the world, while Cameron Young has entered the chat as a threat every time he tees it up; he will look to cement his place as one of the best with his first major win.
The focus is on those star names entering Aronimink, but the PGA Championship has seen its share of surprise winners over the years. From Shaun Micheel to Y.E. Yang to Jimmy Walker, the Wanamaker Trophy has been lifted by its fair share of long shots over the years, and there are plenty of players further down the odds sheet hoping to add their names to that list this week.
Aronimink isn't a course used often, but it did host the 2018 BMW Championship and profiles as a second-shot course, where the greens present the real challenge. In a quest to find potential sleepers this week, let's focus on those who have had strong ball-striking seasons and have been positive on the greens in 2026.
These five fit the bill and could find their way into contention on Sunday in Philly, but that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to prognosticating this tournament. Check out CBS Sports' full slate of 2026 PGA Championship picks and predictions.
2026 PGA Championship sleeper picks
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Who will win the 2026 PGA Championship, and which longshots will stun the golfing world? Visit SportsLine now to see the projected leaderboard, all from the model that's nailed 17 golf majors heading into the weekend, including the past five Masters, and find out.
