For the next seven days, Philadelphia transforms into the heart of the golf world. With the Philadelphia 76ers eliminated from the NBA playoffs by their I-95 rivals, the New York Knicks, the city is fully focused on the return of major championship golf. This week, Aronimink Golf Club—one of the region’s beloved Golden Age courses—hosts the latest edition of the PGA Championship.
Last year, the excitement for Philadelphia golf was clear when a massive crowd turned out for the Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club, moved to make room for the PGA at Quail Hollow. Now, the spotlight is on the city at a moment when intrigue across the sport is at an all-time high. Before the tournament begins, here are the eight biggest storylines to watch.
8. What’s really going on with LIV?
The golf world remains confused about LIV’s future after the Saudi investor retreat. Questions are only growing louder. In a recent interview, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil admitted the league is still almost entirely owned by the Saudis but avoided answering whether that gives them control over future investment decisions. Expect those same questions to follow the tournament in Philadelphia, where—similar to the U.S. Open at LACC a few years ago—the action will unfold against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the league.
7. How are the biggest names from LIV and the PGA Tour interacting?
Major weeks remain rare occasions when everyone in golf mingles. This week, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau will share the same course as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jordan Spieth. While no historic agreements are expected at Aronimink, you can be sure there will be plenty of conversation about the state of the sport.
6. What about the other LIV players?
Players like Talor Gooch, who gave up major championship eligibility at the peak of his career for a LIV contract, now face an uncertain future. Unlike stars such as Rahm or DeChambeau—who will always have sponsors and major invites regardless of what happens to LIV—midfield players like Gooch made a bet that seemed life-changing. They got the money, but their long‑term prospects are now more questionable than ever. Ironically, Gooch isn’t even in the field this week after receiving a special exemption in 2024, highlighting the precarious position of many LIV players who did qualify. Their performance at Aronimink could carry serious implications for their future employment.
5. Is 2026 the year of Rory McIlroy?
Last year, I remember being struck by the vision of Rory…
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4. Scottie Scheffler’s title defense
The reigning champion arrives in Philadelphia looking to go back‑to‑back. After a dominant season, all eyes are on Scheffler to see if he can handle the pressure at Aronimink.
3. Aronimink’s major‑championship test
This classic course, known for its tree‑lined fairways and challenging greens, has not hosted a major in decades. Players and fans alike are eager to see how it holds up against the world’s best.
2. The Philadelphia crowd factor
Philly sports fans are famously passionate. With the city fully behind the tournament, expect a raucous atmosphere that could either fuel the players or rattle them.
1. The bigger picture: golf’s fractured landscape
Beyond the leaderboard, this week is a snapshot of a sport in transition. The tension between LIV and traditional tours, the future of major exemptions, and the ongoing negotiation over the sport’s structure all hang in the air. The outcome at Aronimink might be just one tournament, but the stories it produces could shape the next chapter of professional golf.
