The 2025 PGA Championship is almost here, teeing off from May 15-18 at the iconic Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. As one of golf’s four majors, this tournament always delivers drama, excitement, and a chance for the game’s biggest stars to make history. With a brutal 7,461-yard, par-71 layout and a purse of $18.5 million up for grabs, Quail Hollow is ready to challenge the world’s best. So, grab a drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive into what’s coming, who’s in form, and who might lift the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday with this 2025 PGA Championship preview.
Quail Hollow: A Beast of a Course
Quail Hollow is a monster. Known for its length, lightning-fast greens, and strategic demands, this course favors big hitters but bites back at errant shots with water hazards and tough terrain. The “Green Mile” – holes 16 through 18 – is one of golf’s meanest closing stretches, often deciding who’s got the guts to win and who’s packing up early. Success here requires a complete game: booming drives, laser-like irons, and a scorching putter. And, yeah, a cool head helps too.
After watching plenty of PGA Championships, we all know Quail Hollow doesn’t just hand out birdies. It’s been the home of the Wells Fargo Championship for years, giving us a solid read on who performs well here. Let’s break down the players I think could dominate in 2025.
Top Players to Watch in the 2025 PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy (+500)
Rory’s the name on everyone’s lips, and it’s no surprise why. Quail Hollow is practically his backyard – he’s won there four times, including a commanding five-shot win at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.
Coming off his long-awaited major breakthrough at the 2025 Masters (finally nabbing that career Grand Slam), Rory’s riding a wave of momentum. His massive drives are perfect for this course, and his irons have been dialed in. The only question is whether he can shake off any pressure from past major Sunday stumbles. If Rory’s putter shows up, he’s my guy to go back-to-back.
Scottie Scheffler (+500)
You can’t have a golf conversation without Scottie Scheffler’s name popping up. The world No. 1 had a rocky start to 2025 after a bizarre hand injury over the holidays (lesson: be careful in the kitchen). However, he’s hitting his stride.
Scheffler’s yet to win a PGA Championship, but he’s posted four top-8 finishes in five starts, including a second place in 2023. His well-rounded game – elite ball-striking, reliable putting – makes him a threat anywhere. Quail Hollow’s length plays to his strengths, and after torching the field at the 2025 Byron Nelson, he’s looking like a major winner waiting to happen.
Xander Schauffele (+1200)
The defending champ from 2024, Schauffele, knows how to close in big moments. A rib injury slowed him early this year. However, he’s been quietly regaining his major-winning form. Quail Hollow suits his precise, composed style, and he took second to McIlroy there in 2024. At +1200 on DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 11th, he’s a strong value bet for anyone banking on a guy who’s been there before.
Collin Morikawa (+2200)
Morikawa’s my sleeper pick. He’s been lurking at majors, with top-20s in all four last year, and his renewed work with swing coach Rick Sessinghaus has him firing on all cylinders. Quail Hollow’s demand for sharp iron play is right up Morikawa’s alley – he’s one of the best in the game with his irons. If his putter wakes up (always the wildcard with Collin), he could climb the leaderboard and snag his second PGA Championship.
Ludvig Aberg (+1200)
Don’t sleep on Aberg. The 25-year-old Swede is a rising star, with a win at the 2025 Genesis Invitational and a runner-up finish in his Masters debut last year. His elite iron play and cool-headed approach make him a great fit for Quail Hollow. He’s still chasing that first major, but his game screams “future champ.” Ultimately, Aberg could easily be the guy who breaks through in 2025.
Sleeper Picks and Longshots
Wyndham Clark (+2800)
Clark’s got a U.S. Open title and a 2023 win at Quail Hollow. His length off the tee and course history make him a tempting each-way bet. Note: Odds estimated based on prior performance and market positioning.
Max Greyserman (+6600)
Greyserman’s been a breakout star, with three runner-up finishes in 2024 and top-tier putting stats. A longshot, sure, but his ball-striking could keep him in contention. Note: Odds adjusted to reflect longshot status, as specific DraftKings odds unavailable.
Tommy Fleetwood (+2800)
Fleetwood’s still searching for that first PGA Tour win, but his five straight top-25s to kick off 2025 and strong iron play make him a sneaky contender. Note: Odds estimated based on recent performance trends.
Bold Predictions for 2025
Time for some fun. Here are my big calls for the 2025 PGA Championship:
Rory McIlroy Wins by Three Strokes: I’m all-in on Rory. His Quail Hollow dominance, paired with his post-Masters confidence, feels like a recipe for a statement win. He’ll pull away on Sunday, mastering the Green Mile to quiet any critics. Don’t be surprised if he starts playing much more loosely now that he has the pressure of the Masters off his back.
A LIV Golfer Cracks the Top 5: Brooks Koepka or Bryson DeChambeau (+1000) will make waves. Koepka’s a three-time PGA champ, and DeChambeau’s power is built for Quail Hollow. Oh yeah, and they’re not exactly best friends. Either way, LIV’s heavy hitters are coming to play and bring some drama.
The Winning Score Is Under Par but Not Crazy Low: Quail Hollow’s a beast, but the best will find a way. I’m calling a winning score around 8-under, with the Green Mile keeping the leaderboard tight.
Why the 2025 PGA Championship Feels Special
This year’s PGA Championship has an extra spark. McIlroy is chasing history after his Masters triumph. Scheffler’s hungry to reclaim his throne as golf’s top dog. Additionally, with LIV and PGA Tour stars squaring off, there’s a throwback rivalry feel. Plus, Quail Hollow’s track record for epic finishes (like Rory’s 2010 coming-out party) guarantees we’re in for a treat.
I’m counting down to Thursday’s first round. Whether you’re cheering for a favorite like McIlroy or Scheffler, or tossing a few bucks on a longshot like Greyserman, this tournament’s got it all. My money’s on Rory, but golf is certainly unpredictable. That’s why we’re hooked.
Who is your pick to win the 2025 PGA Championship? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s gear up for an epic week at Quail Hollow!
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