15 Players to Watch at the 2025 PGA Championship—From Rising Stars to Seasoned Champions
The 2025 PGA Championship, which will be held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, promises to be a thrilling contest featuring a mix of golf's elite and promising newcomers.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow will bring together top players and exciting new talent. This list highlights golfers who could make a big impact, from big names to rising stars. Their skills and stories are sure to shape one of golf’s biggest events.
1. Rory McIlroy
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Fresh off completing his career Grand Slam with a Masters win, Rory McIlroy heads to Quail Hollow, a course where he’s historically excelled. With four precious victories here, McIlroy aims to leverage his familiarity and recent form to secure another major title.
2. Scottie Scheffler
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Dominating the golf world with multiple wins, including the 2024 Masters, Scottie Scheffler seeks his first PGA Championship title. His consistent top-ten finishes and recent victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson position him as a formidable contender.
3. Xander Schauffele
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After a dramatic win at Valhalla last year, Xander Schauffele returns to defend his PGA Championship title. Despite recent injuries, his resilience and competitive spirit make him a player to watch closely.
4. Bryson DeChambeau
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Known for his prodigious driving distance, Bryson DeChambeau’s recent strong performances on the LIV Golf circuit signal a potential breakthrough at Quail Hollow. His unique approach to the game could give him an edge on the challenging course.
5. Justin Thomas
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Having secured his first major at Quail Hollow in 2017, Justin Thomas returns with renewed confidence after a recent win at the RBC Heritage. His familiarity with the course and current form make him a strong contender.
6. Jordan Spieth
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With victories at the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open, Jordan Spieth seeks to complete the career Grand Slam with a PGA Championship win a PGA Championship win. His strategic play and experience could be pivotal at Quail Hollow.
7. Jon Rahm
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A stalwart on the LIV Golf tour, Jon Rahm’s consistent performances and major experience position him as a serious threat. His powerful game suits the demands of Quail Hollow’s challenging layout.
8. Ludvig Aberg
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Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg has quickly ascended the ranks, earning accolades and top finishes. His powerful driving and composure under pressure make him a dark horse at this year’s championship.
9. Wyndham Clark
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After clinching the 2023 U.S. Open, Wyndham Clark aims to add the PGA Championship to his resume. His recent performances indicate he’s peaking at the right time.
10. Tommy Fleetwood
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Despite multiple strong finishes, Tommy Fleetwood is still in search of his first PGA Tour win. His consistent play and recent form suggest he could break through at Quail Hollow.
11. Russell Henley
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Russell Henley may not grab headlines, but his steady play and recent top-10 finishes prove he’s a serious contender. He brings consistency and precision, especially on tough courses like Quail Hollow. Do not be surprised if he sneaks into contention late on Sunday.
12. Viktor Hovland
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Viktor Hovland keeps climbing the ranks with his calm presence and sharp ball striking. After back-to-back strong finishes in major events, he’s proven he can hang with the best. Quail Hollow could be the place where everything clicks for him.
13. Elvis Smylie
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At just 23, Elvis Smylie is set to make his U.S. PGA Championship debut at Quail Hollow. With a DP World Tour card and experience across multiple continents, he’s eager to test his skills against the world’s best.
14. Joe Highsmith
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Joe Highsmith made headlines by winning the 2025 Cognizant Classic, becoming the first golfer since 2016 to win a tournament after making the cut on the number. His resilience and determination make him a player to watch at Quail Hollow.
15. Max Homa
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Known for his consistency, Max Homa has been a regular contender on the PGA Tour. With multiple top-15 finishes, he’s aiming to translate his steady performances into a major championship victory.