The Australasians at the PGA Championship and how they got there

The finishing hole at the Aronimink Golf Club – image PGA of America

This week’s PGA Championship at the Aronimink Golf Club, just west of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, brings together an eclectic mix of not only the world’s best golfers but 20 Club Professionals from the 2026 Club Professionals Championship.

It is generally considered one of the strongest fields in men’s tournament golf and, importantly, in this era of disruption in professional golf, the event provides access to several leading players in LIV Golf, in addition to most of the game’s 100 world-ranked golfers.

The numerous eligibility criteria bring 154 players to yet another Donald Ross-designed layout, first conceived in 1926 but opened a couple of years later.

The venue has hosted several PGA Tour events, but this year’s PGA Championship will be the second staged by the club, the first being the 1962 event won by Gary Player.

Australasians in the field are here for the following reasons.

Jason Day – Former Champion and top 70 on the PGA Tour money list since the 2025 PGA Championship (on May 4)

Min Woo Lee – Top 70 on the PGA Tour money list since the 2025 PGA Championship (as at May 4)

Adam Scott – Top 70 on the PGA Tour money list since the 2025 PGA Championship (as at May 4)

Cameron Smith – winner of the 2022 Open Championship

Ryan Fox – Top 70 on the PGA Tour money list since the 2025 PGA Championship (as at May 4) and a winner on the PGA Tour in the last 12 months.

Daniel Hillier – deemed worthy of inclusion by the PGA of America due to performances internationally.

Elvis Smylie – deemed worthy of inclusion by the PGA of America due to performances internationally.

Travis Smyth – Top 3 on the OWGR International Federation Ranking List (as at April 27)