Alex Smalley is set to begin the final round of the PGA Championship as the leader at Aronimink Golf Club, which is a completely new position for him. One thing is certain: his mother, Maria, will be there every step of the way, closely monitoring him.
Maria has been by his side throughout this journey, holding a two-shot lead as he heads into Sunday. They’ve shared this experience since his high school golf days, and she has continuously tracked his stats, dating back to her senior year. This dedication has persisted through his collegiate years at Duke University and into his professional career, which began in 2019—culminating in what could be a career-defining moment at the PGA Championship.
“I keep an eye on his stats while he’s playing,” Maria noted, reflecting on how this helps her son stay focused during tournaments. Last year at the John Deere Classic, his performance was impressive, finishing tied for second. It’s a way for her to engage with the game without becoming overwhelmed.
Maria’s stat tracking isn’t superficial; it’s detailed and often matches the notes professional players keep. She pays attention to things like his distance to the pin, the club he used, and even the wind conditions—essentially recording every element of his game.
She’s dedicated to capturing the moments, with old videos on her phone that sometimes come in handy when his coach asks for them. “I just had to upgrade my phone because the old one was getting full,” she explained, highlighting the many years of commitment she’s put into helping Smalley from the sidelines.
So far, Smalley has made 140 appearances on the PGA Tour, successfully making the cut 85 times and achieving 15 top-10 finishes, including three second-place finishes.
However, Sunday at Aronimink represents a new chapter. This marks just his fifth major tournament, and his best prior finish was a tie for 23rd at the 2023 PGA Championship. One of the predominant themes leading up to the tournament has been his exceptional putting, which has put him significantly ahead in strokes gained. Clearly, having a strong putting game is essential for success as he aims for the winner’s circle on Sunday.
