The 2nd major of the year will be played from Quail Hollow Club this week as the top players in the world battle it out for the Wanamaker Trophy at the PGA Championship. Check out our preview and betting tips for the event below.
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PGA Championship Betting Tips
Quail Hollow Club, Thursday 15th - Sunday 18th May
The second major of the year is upon us as the 2025 PGA Championship kicks off on Thursday, May 15, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. Returning to this venue for the first time since 2017, the PGA Championship promises a classic showdown on one of the Tour’s most challenging tracks. With drama guaranteed and the field as deep as ever, the chase for the Wanamaker Trophy is wide open.
The Field
This year’s field features 156 players, including automatic qualifiers from the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking and a full slate of PGA TOUR winners, major champions, and international stars. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and model of consistency, headlines alongside Xander Schauffele, the defending PGA Champion, who broke through for his first major win last year at Valhalla.
Rory McIlroy, now a Grand Slam winner, returns to one of his most successful venues—he’s won at Quail Hollow three times in Tour events. With his current form (three wins in 2025), he’s arguably the man to beat. Other elite contenders include Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland, all chasing another major title.
A crop of rising stars adds extra spice to the field. Ludvig Åberg has played his way into the conversation with multiple top-10s this year, and Michael Thorbjornsen continues to impress after strong showings at the Zurich Classic and Corales Puntacana. Tiger Woods will not compete this week, still rehabbing from recent Achilles surgery.
The Course
Quail Hollow Club stretches over 7,600 yards as a par-71 and is well known for its balance of brute power and finesse. Originally designed by George Cobb and later revamped by Tom Fazio, the course is famous for its final stretch—the “Green Mile”—which includes three of the toughest finishing holes in championship golf.
The 16th is a long par-4 with water left. The 17th, a 223-yard par-3 over a lake, has ended many dreams. And the 18th, a narrow dogleg par-4, demands perfect tee-to-green execution. Players who survive this gauntlet can steal or lose the championship in the blink of an eye.
Conditions this time of year in Charlotte can be unpredictable, with warm temps and the chance for afternoon storms. Soft fairways and receptive greens could help low scores early, but if the wind picks up or the course firms out, scoring could become a grind. In any case, Quail Hollow rewards elite ball striking, strategic play, and clutch putting—a perfect setup for major drama.
Betting Tips
Top Contenders
Rory McIlroy ($5.70/Top $2.20)
The best golfer in the world at the moment and should be playing with a newfound freedom after finally getting the major monkey off his back at the Masters last month. Already has three wins this season and ranks in the top 5 in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green this season and top 10 in scoring average. Has been absolutely dominant at Quail Hollow over the course of his career, arguably more so here than any other course. Finishing T22 in the PGA Championship in 2017 but in 12 Wells Fargo appearances over the years, he’s racked up a ridiculous nine top 10 finishes, four wins and just one missed cut.
Justin Thomas ($18/Top 20 $1.83)
Started the season with some mixed form but his recent runway into this major has been about as good as he would have hoped. T2, T36, 1st, T2 in his last four events. He won his first major here in 2017 - also a PGA Championship - and has consistently played well on tough layouts that reward creativity, shot-shaping, and touch around the greens.
Dark Horses
Michael Thorbjornsen ($301/Top 40 $3.10)
The 23-year-old rising star is playing like a veteran. After finishing just one shot short at the Corales Puntacana and T4 alongside Karl Vilips at the Zurich Classic, Thorbjornsen is trending at the perfect time. He ranks top 25 in SG: Off the Tee and has proven he can hang with the big names. A major debut at a course that rewards elite ball-striking could be the perfect recipe for a breakout performance.
Chris Kirk ($401/Top 40 $3.50)
Kirk already has a win this season at The Sentry and has quietly been one of the most reliable players on Tour. He’s top 20 in Scrambling and SG: Around the Green, which will be vital if Quail Hollow gets firm and fast. Kirk has experience in majors and a mature, composed style that often plays well on tough courses. He could easily sneak into the top 10 or better if his putter heats up.
