PGA Championship R4 Pairings and Tee Times
· food
The Last Round: A Familiar Pattern Emerges at Aronimink
The PGA Championship has reached its final act, with Alex Smalley holding a two-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler and a star-studded field at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. As the last round gets underway, it’s hard not to think about the familiar narrative that’s unfolding: a young player on the cusp of greatness facing off against an established champion struggling to recapture his best form.
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and world No 1, was a pre-tournament favourite, but his current position at five shots back raises questions about his consistency in majors. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a dominant player falter on golf’s biggest stage; players like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy have both faced periods of relative drought in their careers.
The contrast between Smalley’s maiden major bid and Scheffler’s defending title is striking. Smalley, a 28-year-old American, has been building momentum throughout the season, while Scheffler seems to be struggling with the pressure of expectation. This dichotomy speaks to a broader truth about golf: success in majors often requires a delicate balance between form and nerves.
The pairing of Smalley and Matti Schmid in the final group is intriguing. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but neither has yet proven themselves capable of closing out major championships. As they navigate the challenging layout at Aronimink, experience will play a significant role – Smalley may hold the lead, but Schmid has already demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure.
The crowd at Aronimink will be watching intently as these final groups make their way around the course. Will Smalley’s consistency pay off, or will one of his more experienced rivals capitalize on his mistakes? The answer likely depends on a combination of factors: the quality of play from both individuals, mental toughness, and perhaps even a dash of luck.
As we watch the final round unfold on our screens, it’s worth considering the broader implications for golf. Can players like Smalley continue to push the established order in majors? Will Scheffler be able to rediscover his form and solidify his position as one of the game’s top contenders? These are questions that will likely keep fans engaged long after the final putt is holed.
The PGA Championship has a habit of producing thrilling storylines, but this year’s narrative is perhaps more complex than we’ve seen in recent memory. With so many variables at play – player form, course conditions, and mental pressure – it’s impossible to predict exactly how events will unfold. One thing, however, is certain: only one player will emerge from Aronimink with their name etched on the Wanamaker Trophy.
The final round pairings are as follows:
Alex Smalley and Matti Schmid will be paired together in the final group. Other notable pairings include Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa, who will be competing for a spot near the top of the leaderboard. Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka will also be watching closely as they try to make a late push.
The full tee times are: 8:30 AM – 10:50 AM Group 1: Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland Group 2: Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm Group 3: Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Jordan Spieth Group 4: Scottie Scheffler, Matti Schmid, and Alex Smalley
10:50 AM – 1:00 PM Group 5: Patrick Cantlay, Justin Rose, and Tony Finau Group 6: Sungjae Im, Hideki Matsuyama, and Rickie Fowler
Reader Views
- CDChef Dani T. · line cook
The PGA Championship's final round is shaping up to be a clash of old guard and young blood, with Alex Smalley trying to stave off Scottie Scheffler's fading dynasty. But let's not forget about the course itself - Aronimink's tricky layout has already taken its toll on some big-name players. I'm more interested in seeing how these guys handle the pressure of a major championship than worrying about their individual stats or histories. It's time to see if Smalley can close out his first major, and whether Scheffler's experience will be enough to overcome his struggles under the microscope.
- TKThe Kitchen Desk · editorial
The pressure is palpable as Smalley and Scheffler face off in the final round of the PGA Championship. What's striking is how little we've seen from Scheffler this week - his usual precision has been missing, replaced by a string of bogeys that have allowed Smalley to open up a two-shot lead. Meanwhile, Scheffler's experience in majors will likely give him an edge over Schmid, but can he summon the form needed to close out his title defense? It's a tantalizing question with only 18 holes left for answers.
- PMPat M. · home cook
What's striking about Smalley is that he's consistently outplayed the big names this week without ever getting ahead of himself. That's crucial experience for a young player looking to win his first major. Scheffler's five-shot deficit might be more concerning if not for his track record in majors – but still, you'd expect him to be closer after three rounds as defending champion. The pairing of Smalley and Schmid makes sense, given their form, but I think the real story is what happens behind them: will anyone from further down the leaderboard mount a charge?