How much did Alex Smalley earn from T-2 finish at PGA Championship?

Former Duke alum Alex Smalley played the best golf of his career this past weekend, putting himself in contention for the 2026 PGA Championship. Since making his PGA Tour debut in 2022, Smalley's appearance at this year's PGA Championship was just his fifth ever at a major championship. However, you wouldn't have guessed it by watching the former Blue Devil on the course.

Smalley carded a three-under 67 in his first round, tying the best score on the course during Thursday's play. A one-under (69) par performance Friday saw him hold a share of the lead with Maverick McNealy heading into the weekend. After shooting 68 Saturday, Smalley was in with a real chance at his first professional victory and his first major.

However, after a crucial birdie on 18, he'd shoot even par (70) Sunday, with Aaron Rai coming from behind with a five-under (65) to earn the victory. Although he fell just short, Smalley still finished in a tie for second with former Masters winner Jon Rahm at six-under par. As a result, the 2019 Duke graduate took home $1.

8 million and 425 FedEx Cup points. Additionally, Smalley's performance punched his ticket to the 2027 Masters Championship, which will be his first, and guaranteed him a spot in next year's PGA Championship as well. Had Smalley not birdied the final hole of the tournament, he'd have dropped all the way into a tie for sixth.