Alex Smalley sat atop the leaderboard as Saturday night closed at the 2026 PGA Championship, the report says, posting a 2-under score for the round and standing 6 under for the tournament. The piece describes Smalley as an unlikely leader and notes his world ranking at No. 78.
Per the report, Smalley’s round was a study in two halves. He began slowly, bogeying four of the first nine holes, but recovered over the back nine with five birdies to move into the lead. The account says that despite his position, he faces a large number of competitors within striking distance.
The report lists a sizable chase pack two strokes behind Smalley, naming Jon Rahm, Ludvig Åberg, Matti Schmid, Nick Taylor and Aaron Rai as tied for second. It adds that a group of notable players — Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Reed and Maverick McNealy — were a further stroke back, three shots off the lead.
According to the report, the leaderboard situation leaves the tournament wide open: any of the named challengers could make a move if Smalley slips. The account frames the final round as one in which multiple contenders retain realistic chances to climb into contention late on Sunday.
Looking ahead, the report says the final round will conclude the championship on Sunday, with the leaders and their pursuers set to determine the outcome. The same report also highlighted the top sights and sounds from the fourth round as the players prepared for the decisive day.
