PGA Championship 2026: Four Indian Origin Players In Historic Major Field At Aronimink

The 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club featured a rare milestone in men’s golf. For the first time, four Indian origin players competed together in a major. Akshay Bhatia, Sahith Theegala, Aaron Rai, and Sudarshan Yellamaraju joined a deep field. Each arrived with form that suggested a possible surprise run.

The event also carried strong storylines at the top of the field. The United States had won the PGA Championship for 10 straight years. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler returned as a leading favourite after another dominant season. Rory McIlroy arrived as the year’s first major winner, despite a minor injury concern.

McIlroy chased a specific benchmark as the week began. A win would make McIlroy only the fifth player since 1960 to win season majors one and two. Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, and Jordan Spieth also added depth. With so many proven names present, the margin for error looked thin.

Aronimink was expected to demand control and smart choices. The course featured restored bunkers and difficult green complexes. Players faced tests on approach shots and touch around the greens. That setup suited golfers who stayed patient through stress. It also allowed creative shot-makers to recover from misses and limit damage.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju stood out as a new name in the field. The Indian-born Canadian rookie earned a place after a tied-19th finish at the Truist Championship. Earlier, Yellamaraju recorded a tied-fifth at THE PLAYERS Championship. That result pushed Yellamaraju up the world ranking and changed outside expectations.

Yellamaraju also carried an unusual development path for a modern professional. Much of the game was built without formal coaching. Self-learning through online videos formed a large part of the process. A calm temperament and fearless attitude drew attention from fans and other players. Aronimink marked a first major appearance.

PGA Championship: Aaron Rai’s steady profile

Aaron Rai arrived with a reputation for reliability rather than headlines. The English golfer’s strengths were precision, patience, and composure. Those traits often mattered most in majors. A strong showing at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic underlined consistent ball-striking. Aronimink’s tougher targets could reward that measured style across four rounds.

Rai did not rely on power bursts to compete. Instead, Rai tended to build rounds through fairways and controlled irons. On a course with demanding greens, avoiding big numbers was vital. If others pressed too hard, Rai could climb steadily. That path has often produced surprise contenders late on Sunday.

PGA Championship: Sahith Theegala’s attacking game

Sahith Theegala entered with promise after a steady season. Theegala shared the Hero sponsor with Bhatia. Several top-10 finishes included strong weeks at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Farmers Insurance Open. Theegala’s style stayed aggressive and direct. Birdies from awkward positions and recovery shots remained a clear strength.

Pressure moments also tended to bring out Theegala’s best golf. When the putter ran hot, tournament momentum could swing quickly. However, inconsistency off the tee was a concern on championship layouts. Theegala came off a disappointing finish at the Truist Championship. Aronimink’s strategic demands could still suit creative shaping.

Indian origin player Akshay Bhatia’s form

Akshay Bhatia brought the strongest recent momentum among the four. The 24-year-old American, supported by Hero MotoCorp, kept rising on the PGA Tour. A breakthrough win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was Bhatia’s third PGA Tour title. Strong results at THE PLAYERS Championship, RBC Heritage, and Genesis Invitational backed that progress.

Bhatia’s skill set looked relevant for Aronimink’s expected test. Creative shot-making and improved putting could matter around firm greens. Bhatia recently finished tied for 37th at the Truist Championship. Even so, season-long form suggested a real chance to contend for a first major. The Wanamaker Trophy remained the clear target.

The four Indian origin players added a distinct layer to an already strong PGA Championship field. Each carried a different route into contention, from Yellamaraju’s rapid rise to Rai’s control and patience. Theegala and Bhatia arrived with sponsor backing and proven PGA Tour results. Alongside Scheffler and McIlroy, Aronimink hosted a packed test.