Golf & PGA Tour — May 15, 2026
The 2026 PGA Championship is underway at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia, with Scottie Scheffler sharing a seven-way tie for the lead after Round 1. LIV Golf's future remains a major storyline as Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy weigh in on the Saudi Public Investment Fund's decision to pull funding at the end of the 2026 season.
Golf & PGA Tour — May 15, 2026
Tournament Recap
2026 PGA Championship — Round 1 Recap (Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA)
The year's second major is off and running, with Scottie Scheffler emerging as one of seven players sharing the lead after Thursday's opening round at Aronimink Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy, a pre-tournament favourite, struggled early in the first round. McIlroy's difficulties are notable given that he recently attracted headlines for his comments about LIV Golf and the PIF withdrawal.
Shane Lowry also featured prominently in the Thursday action.
The tournament runs May 14–17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Live leaderboard updates and scores are available on the PGA Tour's official site.
LIV Golf Performances at the PGA Championship
Among the 11 LIV Golf entrants, Martin Kaymer sits atop the LIV Golf leaderboard after Round 1 — a notable bright spot for the Saudi-backed circuit. Conversely, it was a frustrating day for Bryson DeChambeau, one of LIV's most prominent names.
Business of Golf
McIlroy: "We Almost Knew Before LIV Players Did" About Saudi Withdrawal
Rory McIlroy gave a revealing insight into the PGA Tour's intelligence on the Saudi PIF situation, telling reporters this week that Tour officials were aware of the PIF's potential strategy shift as far back as March.
"We almost knew before (LIV) players did," McIlroy said, adding that he is glad he was wrong to push for a PGA Tour-LIV merger deal. He also expressed relief that Saudi Arabia ultimately pulled its funding.
McIlroy, who once advocated for the PGA Tour to make a deal with Saudi Arabia during professional golf's "civil war," has since reversed his position, saying he is now "glad he was misguided."
Jon Rahm: "Never an Argument in My Mind" About Joining LIV
Jon Rahm, who left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf's Legion XIII team, addressed the question of regrets directly at Aronimink this week. Rahm said he "never expected" his move to LIV would tip the scales toward reunification of the tours, and he does not regret the decision — even in light of LIV's looming funding crisis.
"Never an argument in my mind," Rahm said, referring to the decision to join LIV Golf.
Saudi PIF Pulling Funding — What Comes Next?
With the Saudi Public Investment Fund confirmed to be pulling its LIV Golf funding at the end of the 2026 season, the future of the breakaway circuit is very much in question. Golf.com explored the possible next steps for LIV Golf, including whether players will seek returns to the PGA Tour or look for new investment.
Several prominent LIV players — including DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka — have contracts expiring at the end of 2026, making their futures particularly uncertain.
Coming Up
Rounds 2–4: PGA Championship at Aronimink
The 2026 PGA Championship continues through Sunday, May 17, at Aronimink Golf Club. With seven players sharing the lead after Round 1, the tournament is set up for an intriguing weekend. The key storylines to watch:
- Can Scottie Scheffler pull clear of the crowded leaderboard and claim the Wanamaker Trophy?
- Rory McIlroy's comeback attempt: After an early Round 1 stumble, can he rally over the final three rounds to close a career Grand Slam?
- LIV Golf's performance: With the circuit's future hanging in the balance, performances at majors carry added significance for its players.
- Bryson DeChambeau's response: After a frustrating Thursday, how does he bounce back?
The tournament is available to watch online via multiple streaming options.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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