PGA Championship Returns to Quail Hollow: A Preview of the 107th Edition

The world of golf is set to converge on Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the 107th PGA Championship tees off. This prestigious major championship promises a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and drama, with the coveted Wanamaker Trophy and a significant 750 FedExCup points awaiting the victor.

Quail Hollow is no stranger to hosting major championships. The course previously welcomed the PGA Championship in 2017, where Justin Thomas emerged victorious with a two-stroke margin. This year, the course is expected to provide a stern test for the world’s best golfers, demanding accuracy off the tee and precision on the greens.

Last year’s PGA Championship, held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, was marked by both brilliance and controversy. Xander Schauffele secured the title, but the tournament’s narrative was initially overshadowed by the arrest of world number one Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler was apprehended near the course for allegedly disregarding traffic signals from a police officer following a traffic accident. Despite the ordeal, he was released in time to compete and ultimately finished in a respectable tie for eighth place. The incident added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the championship, highlighting the pressures and distractions that professional golfers can face.

This year, a significant storyline revolves around Jordan Spieth’s quest to complete the career grand slam. Spieth, a three-time major champion, needs only a PGA Championship victory to join an elite group of golfers who have won all four major championships: the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship (British Open), and the PGA Championship. Only six male golfers have achieved this feat: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. Spieth’s pursuit adds an extra element of excitement to the tournament, as he aims to etch his name further into golf history. The pressure will be immense, but Spieth has demonstrated the mental fortitude to handle such challenges throughout his career.

The field is expected to be packed with talent, including defending champion Xander Schauffele. Schauffele will be looking to add another major to his resume. Scottie Scheffler, despite the controversy of last year, remains a formidable force. Rory McIlroy, a past champion at Quail Hollow and a two-time PGA Championship winner, will be eager to contend. Other notable players to watch include Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Viktor Hovland. The depth of talent ensures a highly competitive tournament.

Quail Hollow’s challenging layout will play a crucial role in determining the champion. The course is known for its demanding finishing stretch, often referred to as the "Green Mile," which features three difficult holes that can significantly impact a player’s score. Accuracy off the tee will be essential, as the fairways are lined with trees and strategically placed bunkers. The greens are undulating and fast, requiring precise approach shots and skillful putting. The weather conditions could also play a factor, as wind and rain can significantly alter the course’s difficulty.

Fans can catch all the action of the PGA Championship on various platforms. Fubo will provide live coverage, and ESPN and ESPN+ will broadcast the early rounds. CBS and Paramount+ will carry the weekend rounds. The broadcast schedule is as follows:

Thursday, May 15 (Round One) – All times Eastern

• 7 a.m.-12 p.m. (ESPN+)
• 12-7 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
• Featured Groups: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Featured Holes (16, 17, 18): 7:45 a.m.-8 p.m. (ESPN+)

Friday, May 16 (Round 2)

• 7 a.m.-12 p.m. (ESPN+)
• 12-7 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
• Featured Groups: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Featured Holes (16, 17, 18): 7:45 a.m.-8 p.m. (ESPN+)

Saturday, May 17 (Round 3)

• 8-10 a.m. (ESPN+)
• 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
• Featured Groups: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Featured Holes (16, 17, 18): 10:45 a.m.-8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• 1-7 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)

Sunday, May 18 (Round 4)

• 8-10 a.m. (ESPN+)
• 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
• Featured Groups: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Featured Holes (16, 17, 18): 10:45 a.m.-8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• 1-7 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)

The PGA Championship promises to be a captivating event, filled with compelling storylines and intense competition. Whether it’s Jordan Spieth’s pursuit of the career grand slam, the redemption of Scottie Scheffler, or the emergence of a new champion, golf fans are in for a treat at Quail Hollow. The course is set, the players are ready, and the stage is set for a memorable 107th PGA Championship. The world will be watching to see who will rise to the occasion and hoist the Wanamaker Trophy. Beyond the individual performances, the tournament is also a celebration of the game itself, showcasing the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship that define professional golf. The atmosphere at Quail Hollow is expected to be electric, as fans eagerly anticipate witnessing history in the making.