The 107th PGA Championship kicked off on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the second major golf tournament of the season. With a star-studded field of the world’s best golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and defending champion Xander Schauffele, the event promises thrilling competition, dramatic moments, and a fierce battle for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. As the tournament unfolds, fans are glued to their screens, eager to see who will rise to the occasion on one of golf’s grandest stages.
Quail Hollow Club, a par-71 course stretching over 7,600 yards, is no stranger to hosting high-stakes golf. The venue previously welcomed the PGA Championship in 2017, when Justin Thomas claimed a memorable victory. Known for its challenging layout, Quail Hollow demands precision, power, and mental toughness. The course features tough opening holes, scoreable par-5s in the middle stretch, and the infamous “Green Mile” (holes 16-18), one of the most daunting closing stretches in golf. Early-week rainfall has softened the fairways, potentially leading to lower scores, but the firm greens, maintained by the SubAir system, ensure the course remains a true test.
This year’s championship is drawing extra attention because of its familiarity to players. Quail Hollow is a regular stop on the PGA Tour, hosting the Truist Championship in May. Some critics argue this makes the event feel less like a major, but the stacked leaderboard and electric atmosphere prove otherwise. As one analyst noted, “Quail Hollow may be familiar, but with the world’s best competing for a major title, it’s anything but ordinary.”
The 2025 PGA Championship boasts 99 of the top 100 golfers in the world, making it one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. Leading the charge is Rory McIlroy, fresh off his emotional Masters victory in April, which completed his career Grand Slam. McIlroy, the World No. 2, is a fan favorite at Quail Hollow, where he has won four times, earning the nickname “Rory McIlroy Country Club” from fellow pro Jordan Spieth. His ability to shape draws off the tee and dominate the par-5s makes him a formidable contender. After ending a decade-long major drought, McIlroy is brimming with confidence, and many experts believe he could be on the cusp of a major-winning streak.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is another player to watch. Coming off a commanding win at the Byron Nelson, Scheffler’s long iron play and consistency make him a perfect fit for Quail Hollow’s demanding layout. His recent decision to wear an orange Nike polo during a practice round—a rare move since his arrest nearly a year ago—sparked buzz among fans. Scheffler’s steady dominance over the past year has cemented his status as a top favorite, with betting odds placing him at +500.
Defending champion Xander Schauffele, who won his first major at Valhalla in 2024, is aiming to make history with a repeat victory. Despite a solid eighth-place finish at the Masters, Schauffele’s odds sit at +2200, making him a longshot compared to McIlroy and Scheffler. Still, his composure under pressure and experience at Quail Hollow, where he competed in the 2022 Presidents Cup, make him a dangerous contender.
Other notable names include Bryson DeChambeau, whose power off the tee is tailor-made for Quail Hollow’s long par-4s, and Justin Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner who triumphed at this very course in 2017. Jordan Spieth, chasing the career Grand Slam, is also in the mix, though his inconsistent form this season has tempered expectations. LIV Golf players like Joaquin Niemann and Patrick Reed add intrigue, with Reed posting a strong third-place finish at the Masters earlier this year.
The opening round on Thursday delivered plenty of surprises. Jhonattan Vegas, a 40-year-old Venezuelan, stunned the field with a 7-under 64, taking a two-shot lead after making five birdies in his final six holes. Vegas, who has battled injuries in recent years, credited his resurgence to newfound confidence and a hot putter. His performance set the tone for a leaderboard filled with unexpected names, including Aaron Rai (-4) and Ryder Cup captains Luke Donald (-4) and Keegan Bradley (-3).
Not every big name thrived, however. Rory McIlroy struggled to find his rhythm, finishing over par, while Scottie Scheffler also failed to break par, leaving both stars with work to do in Round 2. The unpredictable leaderboard has fans buzzing about whether a dark horse like Vegas can hold off the game’s giants over the weekend.
Friday’s second round brought more excitement, headlined by Si Woo Kim’s jaw-dropping hole-in-one on the 252-yard par-3 17th hole. The ace, the longest in recorded major championship history, sent the crowd into a frenzy and marked Kim’s sixth career hole-in-one on the PGA Tour. Despite his inconsistent season, Kim’s moment of brilliance reminded fans why the PGA Championship is known for unforgettable moments.
As Round 2 progressed, the leaderboard tightened, with top players jockeying for position ahead of the cut. The soft conditions allowed for aggressive play, but the Green Mile continued to punish wayward shots, keeping the field honest.
Beyond the leaderboard, several compelling narratives are unfolding. Jordan Spieth’s quest to become the seventh male golfer to complete the career Grand Slam adds a layer of drama. A win at Quail Hollow would place him alongside legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of back-to-back majors has sparked talk of a new era of dominance. If he wins, he’d be the first golfer since Nicklaus in 1975 to claim the Masters and PGA Championship in the same year.
The presence of LIV Golf players continues to generate discussion. While some, like Niemann, have struggled in majors, others, like DeChambeau and Reed, are proving they can compete at the highest level. Their performances could shape the ongoing debate about LIV Golf’s place in the sport.
Off the course, the PGA Championship is making headlines for its massive prize purse, expected to approach $20 million, with the winner likely pocketing over $3.5 million. The financial stakes, combined with the prestige of a major title, ensure every shot carries enormous weight.
Golf fans have plenty of ways to catch the PGA Championship. ESPN is providing live coverage of Rounds 1 and 2 from 12-7 p.m. ET, with CBS taking over for the weekend. Streaming options include ESPN+ and PGA Tour Live, offering exclusive coverage starting at 7 a.m. ET each day. For those lucky enough to attend, tickets are still available
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