Alex Smalley seeks US PGA upset with Rory McIlroy among chasing pack

Alex Smalley is ready to pull off an upset as he bids to hold off Rory McIlroy and the chasing pack at the US PGA Championship.

The American birdied four of the last six holes to pull two shots clear of the pack at Aronimink Golf Club.

Heavyweight names including Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg were gathered at the top of the leaderboard, one clear of six-time major champion McIlroy and fellow major winners Xander Schauffele and Patrick Reed.

But Philadelphia, city of Rocky Balboa charging up its Museum of Art steps, loves an underdog story.

A birdie on 18 & brilliant back nine. Alex Smalley will head into the final round with a two-shot lead. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/b0vpS7pMBM

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2026

Cast in that role is 29-year-old Smalley, in just his fifth major championship and without a PGA Tour win to his name.

Having held the overnight lead, he bogeyed three of his first four holes on Saturday as it appeared his race may be run.

But back he came and a birdie at the last took him to six under par and makes him the man to chase down – with a staggering 21 players within four shots of his lead.

“Anybody who wants to play golf for a living dreams of winning on the PGA Tour when they’re younger,” Smalley said.

21 players will begin the Final Round of the PGA Championship within four shots of leader, Alex Smalley.

The most in Championship history. @ROLEX | #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/qlGvINvlix

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2026

“I recognise that I have an opportunity to do that tomorrow. I recognise that it’s on a stage that’s a little bit larger than most other tour events.

“I’m trying to downplay that as much as I possibly can just to make it seem like any other