I still remember the first time I held a golf club. It was the summer of 1980, and I was just five years old. My father had taken me to the local municipal course, handed me a cut-down 7-iron, and showed me how to grip it. That moment sparked what would become a lifelong passion—perhaps obsession is a better word—with this maddening, beautiful game.
Now, at almost 50 (May 24th), I've spent 45 years chasing that little white ball around courses across the country. But more importantly, I've had the privilege of making golf my livelihood for nearly three decades. Since joining the industry in 1996 and becoming a PGA Professional in 2009, I've experienced the game from nearly every angle: teaching, coaching, managing, and competing. There's something deeply satisfying about helping others discover the joy and challenge of golf, watching their faces light up when they strike that first pure shot or break 100, 90, or 80 for the first time.
Of all the tournaments that dot the calendar each year, the PGA Championship holds a special place in my heart. It's our championship. This is the showcase event for the PGA of America, the organization that has given me a professional home and identity. While casual fans might view it as "just another major," for those of us who wear the PGA shield, it represents something more: a celebration of the game's teaching professionals, the men and women who grow the game at the grassroots level while occasionally displaying world-class playing ability themselves.
As we approach the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, I find myself more excited than usual. Perhaps it's because the storylines this year are particularly compelling, or maybe it's the venue itself. Whatever the reason, this year's championship promises to be memorable.
The Venue: Quail Hollow
Quail Hollow Club returns as a major championship venue for the first time since 2017, when Justin Thomas captured his first major title. The George Cobb design, with significant renovations by Tom Fazio over the years, presents a quintessential championship test—long, demanding, yet fair.
At 7,626 yards and playing to a par 71, Quail Hollow requires both power and precision. The course sits on 257 acres of rolling woodland just seven miles south of downtown Charlotte, creating a parkland setting that many have compared to Augusta National. The property features 80 feet of elevation change, with the front nine occupying the higher ground to the west and the back nine playing through the lower eastern section.
What makes Quail Hollow particularly compelling is its dramatic finishing stretch—the infamous "Green Mile" comprising holes 16, 17, and 18. This brutal trio has produced some of the most memorable moments in tournament golf, including David Toms' quadruple-bogey 8 on the 72nd hole in 2003 in the Wachovia Championship, now Truist Championship (he still won, remarkably). The 16th is a 529-yard par 4 playing downhill to a peninsula green, the 17th a 223-yard par 3 requiring a carry over water, and the 18th a 494-yard par 4 with a creek running the entire left side.
The course underwent significant renovations in preparation for this championship, including redoing all tees and greens, installing a new drainage system, and overhauling the bunkers for the first time in nearly 20 years. The ninth hole has been lengthened by 25 yards, making Quail Hollow the third-longest course on the 2025 PGA TOUR schedule thus far.
PGA Championship Favorites: Scottie? Rory? JT? Jordan?
Pictured Above: Championship Park at Quail Hollow - a structure located between Holes 9 and 10 to memorialize the winners of professional tournaments at the course. Photo Credit: Quail Hollow Club
The Usual Suspects
If you're looking at pure momentum, it's impossible to ignore Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. These two are always considered potential favorites at any golf course they set foot on, but it could be near impossible to stop these two in their current form.
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy arrives at Quail Hollow with the monkey finally off his back, having ended his decade-long major drought with a Masters victory that completed his career Grand Slam. He's already won three times on TOUR this season and has historically dominated at Quail Hollow, with four Truist Championship victories at the venue. The Northern Irishman seems to be playing with a newfound freedom since donning the green jacket, and his confidence is sky-high.
Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler, meanwhile, is coming off a record-setting performance at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, where he finished an astonishing 31-under par for his first win of 2025. The world number one has been a model of consistency over the past three seasons, and his ball-striking remains the gold standard in professional golf.
My Picks for the PGA Championship
My personal picks might surprise you for this year’s tournament. But, hear me out.
Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas has to be considered a serious threat, having won the last PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow in 2017. JT returned to the winner's circle at the RBC Heritage in April—his first TOUR title since 2022—and currently sits third in the FedExCup standings with six top-10 finishes this season. His game seems perfectly suited to Quail Hollow's demands.
Bryson DeChambeau
I'm also keeping a close eye on Bryson DeChambeau, who finished second to Xander Schauffele at last year's PGA Championship. DeChambeau's power could be a significant advantage at Quail Hollow, particularly if early-week rain softens the course. His scientific approach to the game continues to evolve, and he seems due for another major championship breakthrough.
Shane Lowry
My third pick is Shane Lowry, who has been quietly building an impressive season. Currently eighth in the FedExCup standings, Lowry finished runner-up at the Truist Championship and has shown the kind of consistent form that suggests he's ready to add a second major to his resume. His exceptional short game could prove invaluable on Quail Hollow's challenging green complexes.
Storylines to Watch for at Quail Hollow in 2025
Jordan Spieth's Pursuit of the Career Grand Slam
With McIlroy having completed his career Grand Slam at Augusta, attention now shifts to Jordan Spieth, who needs only the PGA Championship to join golf's most exclusive club. Only five players in history (Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods) had completed the career Grand Slam before McIlroy joined them in April. Could we see two players accomplish this feat in the same season?
Spieth's best PGA Championship finish came in 2015 when he placed second, and he's shown flashes of his old brilliance this season with four top-20 finishes in his last five starts. While he hasn't won a major since the 2017 Open Championship, there's something magical about Spieth when he gets into contention. His creativity and short game wizardry could be particularly valuable at Quail Hollow.
From an emotional standpoint, I can't help but root for Spieth. Having two players complete the career Grand Slam in the same season would truly make 2025 one of the most significant years in golf history. The narrative would be irresistible—McIlroy finally breaking through after years of close calls, followed by Spieth recapturing the magic that once made him seem destined for all-time greatness.
Dark Horses That Could Surprise at the PGA Championship
Looking beyond the obvious contenders, several players could surprise at Quail Hollow. These are a few of the golfers who I think are worth keeping an eye on that are capable of changing the narrative of this year’s PGA Championship.
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa has an exceptional record in major championships, with seven top-five finishes in 21 major starts, including a T4 at last year's PGA Championship. His precision iron play should be a significant asset at Quail Hollow, and at 21-1 odds, he represents excellent value.
Sepp Straka
Sepp Straka enters the week after winning the TOUR's latest Signature Event, the Truist Championship. His best PGA Championship finish came in 2023 when he placed T7, and the last time he played Quail Hollow, he finished T8. The Austrian has shown he can compete with the game's elite and might be ready to take the next step.
Wyndham Clark
Don't sleep on Wyndham Clark, either. His inaugural victory at Quail Hollow in 2023 preceded his U.S. Open triumph just six weeks later. Clark has proven he can handle the pressure of major championship golf, and his familiarity with Quail Hollow could prove invaluable.
The PGA Professionals in the Field
Pictured Above: PGA Professional Michael Block at the 2023 PGA Championship. Photo Courtesy: PGA Championship
One of the unique aspects of the PGA Championship is the inclusion of 20 PGA Professionals who qualify through the PGA Professional Championship. This year, Tyler Collet leads the Corebridge Financial Team after winning the 2025 PGA Professional Championship.
The field includes veterans like Bob Sowards, playing in his 12th PGA Championship, as well as newcomers like Brian Bergstol, Andre Chi, and Eric Steger, all making their major championship debuts. Michael Block, who captured the golf world's imagination with his hole-in-one while playing alongside Rory McIlroy a few years ago, returns for his seventh PGA Championship.
As a PGA Professional myself, I take immense pride in watching my colleagues compete alongside the world's best players. These men represent the heart and soul of the PGA of America—teaching professionals who balance their playing careers with their commitment to growing the game. While they may be longshots to contend, don't be surprised if one or two make the cut and provide some memorable moments over the weekend.
The Weather Factor
The weather could play a significant role this week at Quail Hollow. Early forecasts indicate heavy thunderstorms on Monday, with more showers and thunderstorms expected Tuesday and Wednesday. The upper-level, low-pressure system should move away by Thursday, allowing for drier conditions during the opening round, but the chance for thunderstorms returns late Friday and continues into Saturday.
These conditions could significantly impact how the course plays. Heavy rain early in the week will soften the fairways and greens, potentially favoring longer hitters who can carry the ball farther through the air. However, it could also make Quail Hollow's already demanding length even more challenging, as players won't get much roll on their drives.
The PGA of America's decision to close the course to spectators on Monday due to the inclement weather was prudent, though it will limit players' preparation time. Those who have previous experience at Quail Hollow, particularly those who competed in the 2017 PGA Championship or the 2022 Presidents Cup, may have a slight advantage.
How to Watch the 2025 PGA Championship
United States Broadcast Schedule (All times ET)
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Thursday, May 15 (Round 1):
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ESPN+: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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ESPN: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Friday, May 16 (Round 2):
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ESPN+: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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ESPN: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Saturday, May 17 (Round 3):
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ESPN+: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
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ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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CBS: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Sunday, May 18 (Final Round):
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ESPN+: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
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ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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CBS: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m
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Streaming Options
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ESPN+: Offers early round coverage, featured groups, and featured holes throughout the tournament.
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Paramount+: Provides live streaming of CBS's weekend broadcasts
Final Thoughts
As we count down the final days before the year's second major championship, the anticipation continues to build. Will McIlroy continue his magical season? Can Scheffler add a second major to his resume? Might Spieth complete the career Grand Slam? Or will we see a surprise champion emerge from the 156-player field?
Whatever happens, I'll be watching with the dual perspective of a lifelong fan and a proud PGA Professional, appreciating both the elite skill on display and the platform our championship provides for the game we all love. The PGA Championship isn't just another major—it's a celebration of golf at all levels, from the world's best players to the club professionals who grow the game one lesson at a time.
