PGA Championship Returns to Familiar Grounds: Quail Hollow Set to Host in 2025

The second major of the golf season is rapidly approaching, and anticipation is building for the 2025 PGA Championship. The tournament will be held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, a course well-known to PGA Tour professionals and fans alike. Quail Hollow has been a consistent fixture on the Tour schedule for over a decade, hosting numerous prestigious events and solidifying its reputation as a challenging yet fair test of golf. This will be the second time Quail Hollow has hosted the PGA Championship, with the first being in 2017 when Justin Thomas emerged victorious, capturing his first major title.

This week, the world’s elite golfers will converge on Quail Hollow with the singular goal of hoisting the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. The field is expected to be incredibly strong, featuring a blend of established stars, rising talents, and seasoned veterans, all vying for a place in major championship history. The course will demand precision off the tee, accuracy with iron shots, and a deft touch around the greens, rewarding those who can successfully navigate its demanding layout.

According to early odds released by BetMGM as of Friday, May 9th, Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, and Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, are the clear frontrunners heading into the tournament. Their consistent performance and impressive track records make them the players to beat. However, the unpredictable nature of major championships means that anything can happen, and several other players are poised to challenge for the title.

Bryson DeChambeau, a prominent figure on the LIV Golf circuit, is also considered a strong contender, possessing the power and precision necessary to contend at Quail Hollow. His recent form in major championships has been noteworthy, further solidifying his status as a player to watch. Beyond these leading contenders, a talented group of golfers could surprise and contend.

The Favorites: Scheffler, McIlroy, and DeChambeau

Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable consistency and unwavering ball-striking have propelled him to the top of the world rankings. He has demonstrated an ability to contend on various courses, showcasing his versatility. Despite never having won the PGA Championship, Scheffler has an impressive record in the event, finishing in the top 10 in four of his five appearances. A victory at Quail Hollow would solidify his position as the dominant force in golf and add another major title to his impressive resume.

Rory McIlroy’s history at Quail Hollow is undeniable. The Northern Irishman has an incredible record at the course. He has won the Wells Fargo Championship (now the Truist Championship) four times in his 12 appearances, to go with five other top-10 finishes. McIlroy’s experience and comfort level at Quail Hollow will undoubtedly give him an advantage. He has already claimed three victories this season, including the Masters. This strong form, coupled with his proven track record at Quail Hollow, makes him a formidable threat to win the PGA Championship.

Bryson DeChambeau brings an element of power and excitement to the game. His distance off the tee and aggressive approach make him a compelling player to watch. DeChambeau has been in impressive form in major championships. He has recorded four top-10 finishes in his last five starts. His last nine major championship appearances have included five top-10s and four top-5s. Notably, DeChambeau’s performance at Valhalla last year, a course known for its similarities to Quail Hollow according to datagolf.com, further strengthens his case as a serious contender.

Potential Sleepers: Dark Horses Ready to Surprise

While the favorites garner much of the attention, several players could emerge from the shadows and contend for the PGA Championship. These "sleepers" possess the talent and potential to surprise, and their recent form suggests they could be dangerous at Quail Hollow.

Tyrrell Hatton, the fiery Englishman, has experienced success at Quail Hollow. He has a T-3 finish at the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship. Hatton is known for his exceptional ball-striking and his ability to hit greens in regulation. He was T-14th at the Masters last month. He also won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January on the DP World Tour. He has been in the top 25 in eight of his nine starts around the world this season. He also ranks second on his tour this season by hitting 73.81% of greens in regulation. His accuracy and consistency make him a player who could excel at Quail Hollow.

Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Champion, is a player known for his gritty determination and his ability to perform under pressure. He’s coming off a hard luck runner-up at the Truist Championship, where the putter didn’t cooperate on Sunday. He’s on a ridiculous run of 16 of 19 worldwide starts inside the top-20. Lowry has also put together five top-12s in the last seven attempts at the PGA, three of which were top-8s. Despite his putting issues, he remains a dangerous contender with the potential to contend.

Jordan Spieth, a former Masters, U.S. Open, and Open Championship winner, seeks to complete the career Grand Slam. While he has gone eight years without a major win, Spieth’s talent and experience are undeniable. He was runner-up at the 2015 PGA Championship and tied for third four years later. While he has struggled to make an impact at the event since then, his recent form has been encouraging. His creativity and shot-making abilities make him a fascinating player to watch. Spieth could be poised for a breakthrough performance at Quail Hollow.

Viewing Information

The 2025 PGA Championship will be broadcast on ESPN during the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, providing comprehensive coverage of the tournament’s early stages. ESPN and CBS will televise the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

ESPN+ and Fubo will offer streaming coverage of all four rounds of the PGA Championship, providing fans with a variety of options to watch the action unfold. Paramount+ will also stream the weekend coverage.
(All times Eastern)