Scheffler gets afternoon start for PGA Championship defense, with Rose and Fitzpatrick
Scheffler gets afternoon start for PGA Championship defense, with Rose and Fitzpatrick
The stage is set at the Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, for the 108th PGA Championship, and all eyes are on the world number one as he begins his quest for back-to-back Wanamaker Trophies. In a highly anticipated announcement from the PGA of America, it has been confirmed that Scottie Scheffler will headline the afternoon wave for the opening round on Thursday. The defending champion is paired in a powerhouse group alongside two of England’s most celebrated golfers: 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose and 2022 U.S. Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick. This marquee trio is scheduled to tee off at 2:05 p.m. ET, anchoring a field that features 98 of the world's top 100 players in what many consider the toughest test in professional golf.
Scottie Scheffler will begin his title defense at the 2026 PGA Championship with an afternoon tee time of 2:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14, at Aronimink Golf Club. Grouped with major champions Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose, Scheffler enters the tournament as the favorite following a dominant run that includes a victory in the 2025 PGA Championship and multiple runner-up finishes this season. The pairing brings together three of the game’s elite ball-strikers for the first two rounds, with the group shifting to an 8:40 a.m. ET start on Friday.
The Defending Champion’s Path to Glory
Scottie Scheffler’s return to the PGA Championship is marked by a level of consistency rarely seen in the modern era. Since his breakout in 2022, Scheffler has redefined what it means to be the world number one, combining clinical iron play with a vastly improved putting stroke that has made him a threat every time he tees it up. Last year at Quail Hollow, Scheffler secured a five-shot victory, a performance that solidified his status as the man to beat in major championships. Coming into Aronimink, he has recorded runner-up finishes in his last three starts, including a tantalizingly close run at the Masters where he nearly erased a 12-stroke deficit. The afternoon start on Thursday allows Scheffler to observe how the course is playing before he begins his defense, a strategic advantage for a player who excels at adjusting to conditions.
Analysis of the Marquee Pairing: Rose and Fitzpatrick
Joining Scheffler are two Englishmen who represent different eras of British golfing excellence. Justin Rose, the veteran of the group and former world number one, brings the experience of a major winner and a gold medalist. His presence provides a steadying influence in a group that will undoubtedly draw the largest galleries of the afternoon. On the other side is Matt Fitzpatrick, whose 2022 U.S. Open victory at Brookline showcased his ability to handle grueling course setups similar to what is expected at Aronimink. Fitzpatrick has spent the early part of the week meticulously studying the course, being one of the few players to play the full 18 holes during practice rounds. This group is a "ball-striker's dream," and the interaction between Scheffler's power and the precise technical games of Rose and Fitzpatrick will be a primary storyline for the first 36 holes.
Course Conditions at Aronimink Golf Club
Aronimink Golf Club is known as a "brute" of a course, a masterpiece of design that demands both distance and accuracy. For the 108th PGA Championship, the layout has been stretched to challenge the power of the modern player while maintaining severely contoured greens that penalize any missed targets. Reports from the practice rounds suggest that the rough is thick and the greens are already reaching championship speeds. For the afternoon starters like Scheffler, Rose, and Fitzpatrick, the challenge will be exacerbated by drying conditions and the "footprints" of the morning wave. Success at Aronimink requires navigating large elevation changes and ensuring that approaches land in the correct quadrants of the greens to avoid three-putts.
Strategic Implications of Tee Times
In major championship golf, the draw can often dictate the outcome. The 2:05 p.m. ET start for Scheffler’s group means they will likely face the windiest part of the day on Thursday. Conversely, they will have the benefit of the calmer, softer conditions on Friday morning with an 8:40 a.m. ET tee time off the 10th tee. This "late-early" rotation is often preferred by players who want to get their second round finished before the pressure of the cut line builds on Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, other contenders like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth will lead the morning charge on Thursday, potentially setting a target that Scheffler will have to chase as the shadows lengthen on the opening day.
| Player Name | Thursday Tee Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | 2:05 p.m. (Tee 1) |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 2:05 p.m. (Tee 1) |
| Justin Rose | 2:05 p.m. (Tee 1) |
| Rory McIlroy | 8:40 a.m. (Tee 10) |
| Jordan Spieth | 8:40 a.m. (Tee 10) |
Rivalries and the Chase for the Wanamaker
While Scheffler is the focal point, the narrative of the 2026 PGA Championship is rich with subplots. Rory McIlroy enters the week as the world number two, fresh off his Masters triumph where he bested Scheffler by a single stroke. The rivalry between the two at the top of the rankings has revitalized the sport. Additionally, Jordan Spieth continues his quest for the career Grand Slam, a feat that only five men in history have achieved. The presence of 11 LIV Golf players, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, adds another layer of competition, as the best from both circuits converge to prove who is truly the world's best. Rahm, in particular, remains a wildcard, having recently expressed a desire to focus only on the future despite the ongoing tensions in the professional game.
Key Groups to Watch Outside the Marquee
Beyond the Scheffler-Rose-Fitzpatrick trio, several other groups demand attention. At 1:54 p.m. ET, just before the defending champion, the pairing of Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, and Justin Thomas will take to the first tee. Thomas, a two-time PGA champion, is looking to regain the form that saw him dominate this event in years past. In the morning wave, the 8:29 a.m. ET group of Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, and Tyrrell Hatton features three of the grittiest competitors in golf. Koepka, a five-time major winner, has a historic affinity for the PGA Championship and remains one of the most dangerous players in a major setting regardless of his current tour affiliation.
The International Presence and Home Favorites
The 2026 field is truly global, reflecting the PGA of America’s commitment to an international field. Australian fans will be keeping a close eye on Jason Day and Cameron Smith, both of whom have early Thursday starts. For the local American fans, Max Homa—who replaced Phil Mickelson in the field—and Wyndham Clark represent the best chances for a "home" victory outside of Scheffler. Homa’s inclusion was a late development but has been met with significant excitement given his popularity and recent form. The depth of the field is so immense that even the early morning groups, such as the first trio off at 6:45 a.m. featuring Alex Fitzpatrick, contain storylines of familial rivalry and rising stars.
Final Preparations and Predictions
As the sun rises over Aronimink this Thursday, the players will face a course that rewards patience over aggression. Scottie Scheffler’s ability to remain unflappable under pressure makes him the logical favorite, but the history of the PGA Championship is filled with surprise winners who mastered their nerves on Sunday afternoon. With Rose and Fitzpatrick by his side for the first two days, Scheffler will have the perfect barometer for his own game. If he can navigate the difficult Thursday afternoon conditions and remain within three shots of the lead, his Friday morning start could provide the springboard needed to run away with the tournament, much like he did a year ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Scottie Scheffler tee off on Thursday?
Scottie Scheffler is scheduled to tee off at 2:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14, starting from the 1st tee.
Who is in Scottie Scheffler's group for the first two rounds?
Scheffler is paired with Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose for the first and second rounds of the PGA Championship.
Where is the 2026 PGA Championship being held?
The tournament is being played at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Can Jordan Spieth complete the career Grand Slam this week?
Yes, Jordan Spieth needs a victory at the PGA Championship to become the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam.
How can fans watch the afternoon groups?
Television coverage is provided by ESPN and CBS, with featured group coverage available on ESPN+ starting at 7:00 a.m. ET daily.
Conclusion
The 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink promises to be a historic encounter. By placing Scottie Scheffler in an afternoon slot alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose, the PGA of America has ensured that the drama will build steadily throughout the opening day. As Scheffler begins his defense, he carries the weight of being the world’s best player against a field designed to test every facet of his game. Whether he can secure a consecutive Wanamaker Trophy or if a new challenger will emerge from the shadows of Aronimink’s daunting fairways, the journey begins this Thursday afternoon. Golf fans are in for a spectacle as the elite of the sport battle for one of its most prestigious honors.
Scheffler gets afternoon start for PGA Championship defense, with Rose and Fitzpatrick
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