“I Can Only Advance 50, 60 Yards” Patrick Reed Explains Why Aronimink Is Such a Tough PGA Test
May 16, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Patrick Reed prepares to putt on the 17th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
May 16, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Patrick Reed prepares to putt on the 17th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
The Aronimink Golf Club is really trying the patience of the world’s top players in its hosting of the PGA Championship in 2026, with even Masters winners like Patrick Reed facing challenges on the course.
Tied for seventh place after recording a score of 3-under par after his third round performance with a 67 score, Reed has become one of the key commentators on the difficulties faced in this course.
"I've had a couple lies I've stood there and I can only advance 50, 60 yards. But then you get some that sit up," Reed specifically pointed out.
His remarks followed a Saturday round where difficult conditions, windy weather, and tricky roughs forced the entire field into a defensive mindset.
Not even the fairway can give the players peace, as Reed mentioned that the difficult nature of the greens, as well as the pin placements of this course, is actually affecting the current standings this weekend.
"But there are so many flags this week that are either right on a crown or right in a valley where the ball — I mean, just if the ball's two feet from the hole... It makes it so hard on putting."
These intricate green complexes are forcing players to rethink their entire strategy as they navigate the unforgiving terrain.
Unpacking Reed's Unforgiving Major Grind
As tough as it is, this marks Reed’s 13th appearance in this championship, where he has five top-20 finishes recorded before now.
The 2018 Masters champion came very close to glory at the PGA Championship in 2017, with a runner-up at Quail Hollow.
Playing this week directly after the Masters due to contract and suspension rules tied to his final appearance on that tour, he became ineligible for standard PGA Tour events until August 2026.
Despite the hiatus, Reed kept his skills with short plays that may become an advantage on a course like Aronimink.
"We're the best players in the world, so when they throw a really hard challenge at us, that's when the top players are going to show up."
With such a tough course that is likely to punish mistakes on the final day, Reed enters the final round tied for seventh, looking to record his best finish at the PGA Championship.
Do you think Patrick Reed will be able to clinch victory at the 2026 PGA Championship? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Abhishek Sharma
Edited by
Surjo Ray