Alex Smalley is turning heads at Aronimink Golf Club so far this week.
If you haven’t heard his name yet, you will soon.
Smalley’s Path to the PGA TOUR
The 29-year-old from Rochester, New York is no stranger to Major Championship contention.
At a PGA Championship that’s playing on a difficult test like Aronimink, his game looks to be built for exactly this kind of week.
Smalley didn’t take a flashy path to the PGA TOUR.
A product of Duke University’s golf program, he turned professional in 2019 and steadily built his game from the ground up.
That patience-over-power mentality is exactly what separates contenders from pretenders on a demanding Major Championship setup.
PGA Championship Appearances and Earnings
Smalley has made three appearances in the PGA Championship.
Career PGA Championship Earnings: $284,820
His best Major finish remains a T-23 at Oak Hill in 2023, and his low round of 67 — fired in Round 1 at Quail Hollow in 2025 — shows he’s capable of going low.
Consistent Play in 2026
Smalley has quietly put together one of the more consistent 2026 campaigns on the PGA TOUR heading into Aronimink.
His strokes-gained data tells the full story: Smalley is a well-rounded ball-striker who can attack a course from multiple angles.
His approach game and around-the-green numbers have been among his strongest attributes this season.
Smalley’s Fit at Aronimink
In a week where scoring has been tough to come by and the leaderboard has been historically jam-packed, Smalley’s profile fits the moment.
With conditions remaining difficult and the Wanamaker Trophy still up for grabs, Alex Smalley is exactly the kind of player who could make a weekend move.