The 2025 PGA Championship, one of golf’s four major tournaments, is set to captivate fans worldwide from May 15-18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the 107th edition of this prestigious event, it promises intense competition, dramatic moments, and a showcase of the world’s top golfers. Here’s your ultimate guide to the 2025 PGA Championship, including its history, course details, key players to watch, and how to follow the action.
A Brief History of the PGA Championship
The PGA Championship, organized by the PGA of America, began in 1916 and is the only major exclusively for professional golfers. Initially a match-play event, it transitioned to stroke play in 1958. Legendary players like Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus each won the tournament five times, while modern stars like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have also claimed the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. In 2024, Xander Schauffele won at Valhalla Golf Club, setting a major championship record with a 21-under-par score, highlighted by a clutch birdie on the final hole.
Quail Hollow Club: A Challenging Venue
Quail Hollow Club, hosting its second PGA Championship after 2017, is renowned for its demanding layout. Designed by George Cobb in 1961 and later refined by Tom Fazio, the par-71 course stretches up to 7,600 yards. Its signature “Green Mile” (holes 16-18) is among the toughest closing stretches in golf. The 18th hole, a par-4 with a creek along the left and a bunker-guarded green, often decides the champion. In 2017, Justin Thomas won at Quail Hollow with an 8-under-par total, showcasing the course’s difficulty.
Key features of Quail Hollow include:
- Hole 1: A long par-4 with a narrow, bunker-lined fairway.
- Hole 14: A par-3 with a heavily bunkered green, requiring precision.
- Hole 17: A par-3 over water, where wind can wreak havoc.
Weather in Charlotte in mid-May typically brings warm temperatures (70-80°F) and a chance of rain, which could soften the course and affect scoring conditions.
Top Players to Watch in 2025
The 2025 field will feature elite golfers, including past champions, major winners, and rising stars. Here are five players to keep an eye on, based on recent form and course fit:
- Scottie Scheffler: The World No. 1 dominated in 2025, winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with a record-tying 31-under-par score. His ball-striking and composure make him a favorite.
- Rory McIlroy: A two-time PGA Champion (2012, 2014), McIlroy won the 2025 Masters and thrives at Quail Hollow, where he’s won the Wells Fargo Championship three times.
- Xander Schauffele: The defending champion’s 2024 victory proved his major mettle. His all-around game suits Quail Hollow’s demands.
- Bryson DeChambeau: The LIV Golf star finished T4 in 2023 and runner-up in 2024. His power off the tee could overpower Quail Hollow’s long holes.
- Collin Morikawa: A 2020 PGA Champion, Morikawa’s iron play and recent caddie change signal a return to form after a strong 2024.
The field, expected to include 156 players, will be finalized closer to the event. Qualifications include past PGA winners, recent major champions, and top performers in PGA Championship Points, with additional spots via the Official World Golf Ranking.
How to Watch the 2025 PGA Championship
Fans can catch every moment of the 2025 PGA Championship through various platforms:
- TV: ESPN and CBS will broadcast live coverage, with ESPN airing early rounds and CBS covering the weekend. Specific times will be announced closer to May.
- Streaming: ESPN+ and PGAChampionship.com offer live streaming, including featured groups and holes.
- Mobile: The PGA Championship app provides real-time scores, highlights, and player tracking.
The tournament runs Thursday to Sunday, with tee times typically starting at 7 a.m. ET. Check PGATour.com or the official PGA Championship website for the latest schedule.
What to Expect: Storylines and Predictions
The 2025 PGA Championship is poised for drama. Can Scheffler continue his historic run and claim a second PGA title? Will McIlroy complete a career-defining season with another major? Or will a dark horse, like 2023 champion Brooks Koepka, reclaim the spotlight? Quail Hollow’s challenging layout favors long, accurate drivers and strong iron players, making players like Scheffler and Morikawa prime contenders.
Another storyline is the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf narrative. With DeChambeau and other LIV players competing, their performance could fuel discussions about golf’s ongoing divide. Weather may also play a role, as rain could lower scores, while firm conditions would test precision.
Why the PGA Championship Matters
The PGA Championship is more than a tournament; it’s a celebration of golf’s elite. Its unique field, featuring only professionals, ensures a high level of competition. The Wanamaker Trophy, named after founder Rodman Wanamaker, symbolizes excellence, and a win guarantees a lifetime exemption into the event, plus entries into the other majors.
For fans, the PGA Championship offers a chance to witness history. From Schauffele’s record-setting 2024 performance to Thomas’s breakthrough in 2017, Quail Hollow has a knack for delivering unforgettable moments.
Stay Updated on the 2025 PGA Championship
As the 2025 PGA Championship approaches, follow these resources for the latest news:
- Official Website: www.pgachampionship.com for tickets, player lists, and course details.
- Social Media: Follow @PGAChampionship on X for real-time updates.
- PGA TOUR: Visit www.pgatour.com for stats, leaderboards, and analysis.
Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or a casual viewer, the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club is a must-watch event. Mark your calendars for May 15-18 and get ready for four days of world-class golf.
