2025 PGA Championship
Introduction
The 107th PGA Championship – the season’s second men’s major – takes place from to at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. A star-studded field will face this formidable layout, but the spotlight falls on Rory McIlroy, who arrives on the high of his breakthrough Masters victory last month.
We break down the course, assess how it suits every leading contender, revisit Quail Hollow’s major history (including a past hole-in-one), examine the likely weather and its impact, and spotlight the key story-lines heading into the week.
The Quail Hollow Club: Course Snapshot
- Par / Yardage: 71 / 7,623 yds (championship tees)
- Design: George Cobb (1961); Fazio renovations for majors
- Greens: Champion G-12 Bermuda (firm & fast)
- Fairways: 328/419 Bermuda
- Course Rating / Slope: 77.2 / 148
- Signature Finish: Holes 16–17–18 – “The Green Mile”
Quail Hollow’s defining traits are sheer length, penal Bermuda rough and greens that become glass-like if the weather is dry. Five par-4s top 480 yards, and the lone par-5s on the back nine both exceed 590 yards.
The closing Green Mile – a dog-leg par-4, a 220-yard par-3 over water, and an uphill par-4 littered with trouble – ranks annually among the most challenging stretches in elite golf.
This stretch of the course often presents great opportunities to lay players ahead of a tough section.
Weather Forecast & Potential Impact
| Day | Forecast | High Temp | Rain Chance | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 15 May | Cloudy, warm | 30 °C | 10 % | ≈ 8 mph |
| Fri 16 May | Very hot, PM storms | 32 °C | 40 % | ≈ 7 mph |
| Sat 17 May | Humid, storms likely | 31 °C | 43 % | 5 – 10 mph |
| Sun 18 May | Mostly cloudy, cooler | 27 °C | 5 % | 5 – 10 mph |
Expect hot, humid conditions early, with thunderstorms threatening on Friday and Saturday. Rain would soften greens yet lengthen the course, making carry distance vital. Winds stay modest, but Charlotte’s sticky air can shorten drives.
What It Takes to Win at Quail Hollow
Driving distance + accuracy are paramount: long par-4s demand tee-shots in the fairway to control firm greens. Long-iron proficiency (180 – 220 yd approaches) is critical, and scrambling saves are invaluable when greens are missed. History shows Quail champions usually gain strokes in every category – ball-striking, short-game and putting.
Contender-by-Contender Analysis
Rory McIlroy – The Favourite
Fresh from completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta, McIlroy returns to the course where he has won four PGA Tour titles and holds the record 61. He calls Quail his “happy hunting ground”, and the Masters win has lifted a weight from his shoulders. If his driver behaves, Rory is the man to beat.
Scottie Scheffler – Relentless Ball-Striker
Current World No. 1 leads Tour tee-to-green stats and arrives off another victory. Quail fits him perfectly; whether he contends hinges on streaky putting.
Brooks Koepka – Major Specialist
Defending champion and five-time major winner seeks a record-equalling fourth PGA. Quail’s demanding test suits his mentality. Expect him near the lead if the winning score is single-digits under par.
Other Players to Watch
- Xander Schauffele – 2024 PGA winner, twice runner-up at recent Quail events.
- Jordan Spieth – Chasing the career Grand Slam; driver must behave.
- Bryson DeChambeau – Reigning U.S. Open champ; length is a major asset.
- Justin Thomas – Won the 2017 PGA here; trending upwards in 2025.
- Viktor Hovland – Elite iron player poised for a breakout.
Conclusion
With a world-class course and volatile weather, the 2025 PGA Championship potentially promises four days of edge-of-the-seat drama. This should create favourable trading conditions this year.