The third round of the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club is set to begin with a full slate of pairings, each tee time holding strategic weight for players chasing one of golf’s biggest titles. The 2026 PGA Championship third round tee times, scheduled to start early in the morning and run through the early afternoon, could influence players’ routines, course conditions, and ultimately the leaderboard.
How the Third Round Tee Times Shape the Championship Battle
The tee times for the third round, running from 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Eastern Time, place marquee players like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka in the 11 a.m. slot alongside each other, setting up a key afternoon showdown. Meanwhile, stars such as Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson tee off just before at 10:50 a.m., ensuring that the pressure cooker of the weekend intensifies as the day progresses.
These times are more than scheduling details; they affect how players experience the course. Early groups face different wind and green conditions compared to afternoon tees, potentially impacting scores and shifting momentum. For players like Jon Rahm and Patrick Cantlay starting at 12:50 p.m., the challenge will be managing their game amid evolving weather and course setups.
Pairs That Could Define the Day at Aronimink
The pairing of Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy at 11:00 a.m. is one of the third round’s highlights. Both are major winners with proven track records under pressure, and their shared tee time adds extra intrigue. Similarly, Scottie Scheffler and David Puig tee off together at 1:40 p.m., a pairing that could influence the late leaderboard shakeup.
Other notable pairs include Jordan Spieth with Dustin Johnson at 10:50 a.m., and Jon Rahm alongside Andrew Putnam at 12:50 p.m. Each pairing pits players with contrasting styles and experience levels, which could dictate the rhythm and strategy throughout the round.
Understanding Why Tee Times Matter in Major Championships
Tee times in majors like the PGA Championship aren't just about order; they can affect everything from daylight availability to weather exposure and fan engagement. Morning waves often encounter softer greens and calmer winds, while afternoon players might face firmer turf and gustier conditions. This variability requires players to adjust their approach, particularly in shot selection and club choice—elements critical to success on challenging courses like Aronimink.
For example, a player hitting a 165-yard shot with the flag tucked left will need to consider wind direction and course firmness differently depending on their tee time. The ability to adapt—using precise golf tips and understanding the nuances of golf equipment—can be a deciding factor in scoring.
What This Means for Golf Rankings and Season Momentum
Performance in the 2026 PGA Championship affects world golf rankings and can set the tone for the remainder of the season, including upcoming LPGA events and other tour stops. Players with favorable tee times might capitalize on optimal conditions to vault up the leaderboard, while those facing tougher circumstances must rely on mental toughness and strategic play.
Fans and analysts alike will watch these tee times closely, as they could hint at who gains early advantage or faces uphill battles in the quest for the Wanamaker Trophy.
2026 PGA Championship Third Round Tee Times: The Full List
Here are the official tee times for the third round at Aronimink Golf Club (all Eastern Time):
- 7:45 a.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Alex Noren
- 7:54 a.m. – Nicolai Højgaard, Michael Brennan
- 8:03 a.m. – Taylor Pendrith, Johnny Keefer
- 8:12 a.m. – Christiaan Bezuidenhout, William Mouw
- 8:21 a.m. – Shane Lowry, Brian Campbell
- 8:30 a.m. – Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Daniel Berger
- 8:39 a.m. – Luke Donald, Elvis Smylie
- 8:48 a.m. – Michael Kim, John Parry
- 8:57 a.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Padraig Harrington
- 9:06 a.m. – Daniel Brown, Chris Kirk
- 9:15 a.m. – Justin Rose, Brian Harman
- 9:24 a.m. – Rasmus Højgaard, Sami Välimäki
- 9:33 a.m. – Kazuki Higa, Mikael Lindberg
- 9:42 a.m. – Keith Mitchell, Sam Burns
- 9:51 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Joaquín Niemann
- 10:00 a.m. – Alex Fitzpatrick, Denny McCarthy
- 10:20 a.m. – Sam Stevens, Chandler Blanchet
- 10:30 a.m. – Martin Kaymer, Matt Fitzpatrick
- 10:40 a.m. – Casey Jarvis, Matt Wallace
- 10:50 a.m. – Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson
- 11:00 a.m. – Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy
- 11:10 a.m. – Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele
- 11:20 a.m. – Sahith Theegala, Bud Cauley
- 11:30 a.m. – Ben Griffin, Ryan Gerard
- 11:40 a.m. – Collin Morikawa, Matti Schmid
- 11:50 a.m. – Nick Taylor, Corey Conners
- 12:10 p.m. – Daniel Hillier, Ben Kern
- 12:20 p.m. – Ryan Fox, Ryo Hisatsune
- 12:30 p.m. – Rico Hoey, Cameron Smith
- 12:40 p.m. – Haotong Li, Patrick Reed
- 12:50 p.m. – Jon Rahm, Andrew Putnam
- 1:00 p.m. – Jason Day, Patrick Cantlay
- 1:10 p.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Aaron Rai
- 1:20 p.m. – Ludvig Åberg, Andrew Novak
- 1:30 p.m. – Harris English, Si Woo Kim
- 1:40 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, David Puig
- 2:00 p.m. – Cameron Young, Justin Thomas
- 2:10 p.m. – Min Woo Lee, Max Greyserman
- 2:20 p.m. – Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger
- 2:30 p.m. – Hideki Matsuyama, Chris Gotterup
- 2:40 p.m. – Alex Smalley, Maverick McNealy
As reported by All The Golf, these tee times set the stage for a dramatic Saturday that could reshape the tournament’s final stretch.
What to Watch Next: The Pressure Builds With Every Tee Time
Keep an eye on the tee times around midday, especially the 11 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. groups, where top contenders like McIlroy, Koepka, Rahm, and Cantlay will take center stage. Their performances could dictate who holds the edge heading into the final round.
Also, note how players adapt their strategies with changing course conditions—a key factor that could reward those with superior golf IQ, equipment choices, and shot-making skills. For a broader view, explore our coverage of golf majors coverage and results.
Source: as reported by All The Golf
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