The 107th PGA Championship unfolds at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, drawing the world’s top golfers for a thrilling four-day battle. From May 15 to 18, 2025, the prestigious major showcases elite talent, with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler emerging as early favorites. The event, steeped in history, promises intense competition on a course known for its demanding layout. Fans eagerly await whether Jordan Spieth can seize the title to complete his career grand slam.
This year’s tournament brings together 156 players, including veterans like Phil Mickelson and rising stars like Ludvig Åberg. The field is diverse, featuring international players and 20 PGA professionals, such as Michael Block, who captivated audiences in 2023. Quail Hollow, a par-72 course stretching 7,575 yards, challenges golfers with its strategic design and storied past.
Key highlights of the 2025 PGA Championship:
- Star-studded groupings, including McIlroy, Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele.
- Extensive broadcast coverage on ESPN, CBS, and streaming platforms like ESPN+ and Paramount+.
- Notable withdrawals, such as Sahith Theegala, replaced by Alex Smalley due to injury.
The event’s opening rounds set the stage for a weekend of high stakes, with tee times carefully arranged to maximize viewer engagement. As players navigate the course, the spotlight remains on who will claim the Wanamaker Trophy.
Star power on display
The 2025 PGA Championship boasts a field packed with golf’s biggest names. Rory McIlroy, fresh off his Masters victory, enters as a fan favorite, paired with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds. Their 8:22 a.m. ET tee time on Thursday draws significant attention, promising a clash of titans. Jordan Spieth, grouped with Patrick Reed and Ludvig Åberg at 1:25 p.m., faces a critical opportunity to secure the only major missing from his resume.
Other notable groupings include Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, and Shane Lowry teeing off at 7:38 a.m., blending experience with flair. Phil Mickelson, alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Jason Day at 7:49 a.m., brings veteran presence to a competitive trio. Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay, and Matt Fitzpatrick, starting at 8:00 a.m., round out a morning filled with star power. These pairings ensure fans have plenty to watch from the outset.
The field also highlights international talent, with players like Hideki Matsuyama, Viktor Hovland, and Sungjae Im adding global appeal. Emerging names, such as Max Greyserman and Nicolai Højgaard, aim to make their mark against established champions. The diversity of the field underscores the PGA Championship’s reputation as one of golf’s most competitive majors.
Quail Hollow’s challenging layout
Quail Hollow Club, hosting its second PGA Championship, presents a formidable test for competitors. Known for its length and strategic demands, the course has a rich history, previously staging the 2017 PGA Championship won by Justin Thomas. Its par-72 setup, measuring 7,575 yards, features tight fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens.
Key features of Quail Hollow:
- The Green Mile (holes 16-18): A punishing closing stretch with water hazards and long par-4s.
- Hole 14: A par-3 with a heavily bunkered green, testing precision.
- Elevated greens: Requiring accurate approach shots to avoid costly mistakes.
The course’s design favors players with strong ball-striking and course management, qualities exemplified by past winners like Thomas. Weather conditions, expected to be warm and sunny, may firm up the greens, adding to the challenge. Players must adapt to the course’s nuances to stay in contention.
Broadcast and streaming access
Fans can follow every moment of the 2025 PGA Championship through a comprehensive broadcast schedule. ESPN covers the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, with early coverage starting at 7 a.m. on ESPN+. CBS takes over for the third and fourth rounds on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., complemented by Paramount+ streaming.
Streaming options enhance accessibility:
- ESPN+: Full coverage of all rounds, including featured groups and holes (16, 17, 18).
- Paramount+: Streams Rounds 3 and 4 alongside CBS broadcasts.
- Fubo, DirecTV, Hulu with Live TV: Offer ESPN and CBS for cord-cutters.
Featured group coverage, available on ESPN+, highlights top players like McIlroy and Scheffler, while featured hole streams focus on the dramatic Green Mile. This multi-platform approach ensures fans worldwide can watch the action live or on-demand, catering to diverse viewing preferences.
Tee times spark anticipation
Thursday’s Round 1 tee times, starting at 7:00 a.m. ET, set the tone for the tournament. Groupings are strategically crafted to balance star power and competitive intrigue. Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington, and Martin Kaymer kick things off, bringing major championship pedigree to the opening slot. Later, Justin Rose, Cameron Smith, and Brian Harman tee off at 2:09 p.m., promising a strong afternoon performance.
Friday’s Round 2 reverses the tee assignments, with morning groups starting on the 10th hole and afternoon groups on the 1st. This format ensures equitable course conditions across the field. Notable afternoon tee times include Takumi Kanaya, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Tom McKibbin at 2:31 p.m. on Thursday, showcasing rising international talent.
The tee time structure maximizes viewer engagement, with top players spread across morning and afternoon waves. Fans can plan their viewing around key groupings, such as Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, and Gary Woodland at 1:47 p.m., blending power and precision.
Notable withdrawals and replacements
The tournament saw a significant change before the first tee shot, with Sahith Theegala withdrawing due to a neck injury. Alex Smalley, next on the alternate list, stepped in to replace him, joining Max McGreevy and Sepp Straka at 7:27 a.m. Theegala’s absence, following his withdrawal from the previous week’s Truist Championship, shifts attention to other contenders.
Other alternates, like Patrick Fishburn and Rico Hoey, secured spots earlier due to withdrawals, including Billy Horschel’s absence for hip surgery. These changes highlight the depth of the PGA Championship field, where opportunities arise for lesser-known players to shine. Smalley, a North Carolina native, benefits from local knowledge at Quail Hollow, adding intrigue to his debut.
PGA professionals add unique flavor
Among the 156 players, 20 PGA professionals bring a grassroots element to the championship. Michael Block, a fan favorite from 2023, returns, paired with Erik van Rooyen and Mackenzie Hughes at 12:41 p.m. Tom Johnson, a 43-year-old club pro from California, makes his PGA Championship debut after a strong showing at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship.
These professionals, often balancing teaching and competitive play, face a steep challenge against tour regulars. Their presence celebrates the PGA of America’s mission to grow the game, offering inspiring stories of perseverance. Players like Timothy Wiseman and Brandon Bingaman, teeing off at 2:42 p.m. and 2:20 p.m., respectively, aim to make an impact despite long odds.
Historical significance of the event
The PGA Championship, first contested in 1916, holds a storied place in golf. Quail Hollow’s second hosting adds to its legacy, following Justin Thomas’ 2017 victory. The Wanamaker Trophy, one of golf’s most coveted prizes, symbolizes excellence, with past champions including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Brooks Koepka.
This year’s event marks the 107th edition, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the sport. The tournament’s field, drawn from rigorous qualification criteria, includes winners of recent majors, top-ranked players, and PGA professionals. Its timing, as the second major of 2025, heightens anticipation following the Masters and sets the stage for the U.S. Open.
Fan engagement and viewing options
The PGA Championship prioritizes fan accessibility through extensive coverage. ESPN+’s featured group streams allow viewers to follow specific players, such as Koepka or Spieth, throughout their rounds. Featured hole coverage, focusing on the par-3 14th and the Green Mile, captures critical moments that often decide the championship.
Additional viewing perks:
- Mobile apps: ESPN and CBS Sports apps offer live updates and highlights.
- Social media: Real-time updates from @PGAChampionship and @PGATOUR on X.
- International access: Global streaming options via ESPN+ and Paramount+.
This multi-faceted approach caters to casual fans and die-hard golf enthusiasts, ensuring broad engagement. The tournament’s social media presence, including behind-the-scenes content, enhances the viewer experience, drawing millions to the event.
Key players to watch
Beyond McIlroy and Scheffler, several players command attention. Brooks Koepka, a three-time PGA Champion, seeks to reclaim the title, leveraging his power off the tee. Jordan Spieth’s pursuit of the grand slam adds narrative weight, with his short game critical on Quail Hollow’s greens. Bryson DeChambeau, paired with Hovland, brings scientific precision to his game, intriguing bettors.
Emerging talents like Ludvig Åberg and Nicolai Højgaard offer fresh storylines, while veterans like Justin Rose and Jason Day provide consistency. International stars, including Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im, add depth, with Smith’s putting prowess a potential difference-maker. The mix of experience and youth creates a dynamic field.
Course history shapes strategy
Quail Hollow’s past tournaments inform player strategies. The 2017 PGA Championship saw Thomas navigate the Green Mile with poise, a blueprint for 2025 contenders. The course’s length favors long hitters like DeChambeau and McIlroy, but its greens demand finesse, benefiting players like Spieth and Rose.
The Truist Championship, hosted annually at Quail Hollow, provides additional context. Sepp Straka’s recent victory there highlights the importance of driving accuracy and scrambling. Players familiar with the course, such as North Carolina native Smalley, may gain an edge through local knowledge, particularly on tricky holes like the 18th.
Betting favorites and underdogs
Betting markets reflect the field’s competitiveness. McIlroy and Scheffler lead as favorites, with odds reflecting their recent form. Bryson DeChambeau, buoyed by strong betting action, ranks third, appealing to those seeking value. Koepka and Spieth also draw interest, given their major championship pedigrees.
Underdogs like Max Greyserman and Tom McKibbin offer long-shot potential. Greyserman, paired with Tony Finau and Nicolai Højgaard at 8:33 a.m., brings momentum from a strong 2024 season. McKibbin, a young Northern Irish talent, could surprise alongside Kanaya and Bezuidenhout. These players add intrigue to a wide-open tournament.
Global appeal of the championship
The PGA Championship’s international field underscores golf’s global reach. Players from Japan (Matsuyama, Kanaya), South Korea (Im), and Australia (Smith, Day) compete alongside Europeans like Hovland and McIlroy. This diversity reflects the sport’s growing popularity, with 26 countries represented in the field.
The event’s broadcast reaches audiences worldwide, with streaming platforms ensuring access in regions like Asia and Europe. Quail Hollow’s reputation as a world-class venue enhances the tournament’s prestige, drawing viewers eager to see how international stars fare against PGA Tour regulars. The global stage elevates the stakes for all competitors.
