Potential Set-Up Changes? That and Two More Stories to Watch This Weekend at Aronimink

What a start to the week at Aronimink. Before scorecards were in hands, most of the talk around property was how Donald Ross’ design could get picked apart by the best players in the world. But thanks to cool temperatures, temperamental wind, firm and fast greens, and long rough, the lead is just 4 under.

So far, this is the best PGA Championship in recent memory—and we have 36 more holes to enjoy!

But before Moving Day commences in the morning, I wanted to monologue a bit about a few things on my mind after watching Friday’s second round.

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Will the PGA of America Mix Up the Pins?

After his round on Friday, Scottie Scheffler said the sets of pins at the PGA Championship were the hardest he’s seen since being on the PGA TOUR. Face value, that sounds like a good test at a major championship. But there’s also a downside.

When the pins are inaccessible, players simply aim to the middle of the greens, do their best to two-putt, and move on to the next hole. Not only does this mean we see a lot of players play from the same spots, but it also lessens the entertainment and shot values. Great shots don’t separate from okay ones, and it turns into a putting contest. When that happens, the best player doesn’t always win at the end of the week.

If the PGA of America tweaks its setup a little bit over the weekend, allowing great shots to be rewarded more, the 108th edition of this event could be an all-timer.

Update: The pin sheet for Saturday has been released, and the PGA of America has tucked the pins once again. The chasers have a lot of work to do.

Scottie Scheffler Feels Inevitable

The World No. 1 didn’t have his best stuff on Friday morning, but did just enough after a tough start to sign for a 1-over 71 and now sits 2 under for the championship, two back of the lead.

With no rain in the forecast, the greens are only going to get firmer and faster, putting an even bigger emphasis on distance and spin control. That feels like a massive advantage for Scheffler. But in the end, it’ll come down to his driver. On Thursday, he hit 13 of 14 fairways. But on Friday, he played from the rough a lot, making it impossible to control spin going into Aronimink’s undulated and firm greens. If he gets the driver back to where it was during the opening round, it feels like the tournament will be his to lose.

The Cream of the Crop is Starting to Rise

There’s some inexperience at the top of the leaderboard. Maverick McNealy is tied for the lead at 4 under, but this is the first time he’s ever been inside the top 25 of a major after 36 holes. Alex Smalley, also at 4 under, is playing in just his fifth major championship. Aldrich Potgieter, one of the names a shot back, is playing in his sixth. I’m not rooting for them to struggle, but at majors, nerves get turned to 11.

Like I said, Scheffler is two shots back, but he’s not the only big name within striking distance.

Hideki Matsuyama, Chris Gotterup, and Min Woo Lee are part of a group one back. Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, and Ludvig Aberg are right there with Scheffler. Patrick Cantlay and Jon Rahm are three back. Patrick Reed and Cameron Smith trail by four. Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth all sit at 1 over.

What a weekend this is set up to be.