2025 PGA Championship Preview: Key Players and Predictions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2025 PGA Championship is set to begin this week at Quail Hollow Club, welcoming a competitive field of 156 players. This event marks Quail Hollow’s first time hosting the PGA Championship since 2017, and it stands as the second major of the golf season.

Quail Hollow, a challenging course playing to par 71 and 7,626 yards, usually hosts the Truist Championship on the PGA Tour. The cut rule for the PGA Championship differs from regular tour events; only the top 70 players and ties will advance after 36 holes.

Rory McIlroy, who recently won the Masters, is a significant favorite. With four victories at Quail Hollow, McIlroy aims to become the first golfer since Jack Nicklaus in 1975 to win the Masters and PGA Championship in the same year.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is expected to be a strong competitor this week. He is coming off a victory at the CJ Cup on May 4, where he tied the PGA Tour 72-hole scoring record. Defending champion Xander Schauffele is working back to form after a rib injury, and his history at Quail Hollow has been promising.

Other notable players in the lineup include Bryson DeChambeau, who nearly won the previous year’s PGA Championship and now leads the LIV Golf League in driving distance, and Justin Thomas, a two-time major champion searching for consistency.

As for sleeper picks, golfers like Joaquin Niemann and Justin Rose aim to capitalize on past successes. Niemann has improved recently, while Rose is looking to bounce back from injuries and secure another top finish.

Players like Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth also aim to make their marks, with Spieth hoping to capture his career Grand Slam at this major capping off an impressive career thus far.

The PGA Championship promises fierce competition as it returns to one of the sport’s esteemed venues. With a mix of veterans and rising stars, the event is poised to provide thrilling moments on the course.