PGA Championship 2025: A Preview of the Battle at Quail Hollow

The anticipation is palpable as the 2025 PGA Championship approaches. This year, the second major of professional golf takes center stage at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. From Thursday’s opening round to Sunday’s climactic finish, the world’s top golfers will vie for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy.

Quail Hollow, a course renowned for its challenging layout and demanding conditions, provides a fitting stage for this championship event. The course previously hosted the PGA Championship in 2017, a tournament remembered for Justin Thomas’s impressive victory. With its undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast, treacherous greens, Quail Hollow promises to test every aspect of a player’s game.

Before the competitive action begins, a time-honored tradition unfolded earlier this week: the annual champions’ dinner. Hosted this year by defending champion Xander Schauffele, the dinner brought together a gathering of past PGA Championship winners, a who’s who of golfing legends. This event serves as a testament to the rich history and legacy of the PGA Championship.

The PGA Championship boasts a history that stretches back to 1916. With the exception of pauses during World War I and World War II, the tournament has been held annually, showcasing the evolution of the sport and crowning some of the most iconic names in golf. The winners’ list reads like a roll call of golfing greatness. Names such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, titans of the sport, are enshrined alongside less-heralded champions like John Daly and Shaun Micheel, players who etched their names into history with improbable victories.

The field for the 2025 PGA Championship is expected to be exceptionally strong, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Each player arrives with hopes of hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy and adding their name to the championship’s illustrious list of winners. The competition will be fierce, with every stroke carrying immense significance.

Here’s a look at some of the key storylines and players to watch:

• The Defending Champion: Xander Schauffele will aim to become the first player since Brooks Koepka in 2019 to win consecutive PGA Championships. His consistent performance and steely demeanor make him a formidable competitor.
• The Major Contenders: Several players will be seeking their first major championship victory. Names like Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay, and Collin Morikawa are constantly mentioned as potential major winners, and the PGA Championship presents a prime opportunity for them to break through.
• The Veterans: Players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Jordan Spieth, all major champions, possess the experience and talent to contend at Quail Hollow. Their ability to navigate the course’s challenges and handle the pressure of a major championship will be crucial.
• The Rising Stars: Talented young players like Ludvig Åberg, Tom Kim, and Sahith Theegala have demonstrated immense potential and could surprise many. Their fearless approach and unwavering confidence could propel them to the top of the leaderboard.

Beyond the individual storylines, the course itself will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the tournament. Quail Hollow’s demanding layout will reward accuracy off the tee, precision with iron shots, and a deft touch around the greens. Players who can manage their games effectively and avoid costly mistakes will be in contention on Sunday.

The broadcast schedule for the 2025 PGA Championship offers extensive coverage for fans. ESPN will provide coverage during the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, capturing the initial drama and excitement of the tournament. ESPN and CBS will then team up to televise the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday, ensuring that viewers do not miss a moment of the thrilling conclusion.

For those seeking even more in-depth coverage, streaming options are available. ESPN+ and Fubo will provide streaming coverage of all four rounds, offering multiple camera angles, expert commentary, and exclusive content. Paramount+ will also stream the weekend coverage, providing another avenue for fans to stay connected to the action.

The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow promises to be a captivating event, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. With a star-studded field, a challenging course, and comprehensive broadcast coverage, the tournament is set to deliver a memorable experience for golf fans around the world.