Five Players to Watch at Quail Hollow

As the PGA Championship returns to Quail Hollow, anticipation for another major clash of golf's elite is growing. From legends seeking to add to their career lore to rising stars eyeing their first major breakthrough, this year's field is stacked with storylines. Quail Hollow itself adds an extra layer of intrigue. Known for its demanding stretch known as the "Green Mile" and its emphasis on precision off the tee, the North Carolina layout has a history of the greats breaking through.

Weather could also play a factor, with unpredictable spring conditions likely to test players' adaptability and patience. Inclement weather already kept the fans away from the course on Monday. With so much on the line and the season's second major title up for grabs, all eyes will be on who can rise to the challenge. With a course that rewards bold shot-making and punishes hesitation, here are five players outside of defending champion Xander Schauffele who are especially worth watching as the drama unfolds in Charlotte.

Rory McIlroy
Any list must start with the newest career grand slam club member. A two-time PGA Championship winner, Rory McIlroy heads to Quail Hollow with history—and momentum—on his side. After winning the Masters, he exchanged the weight of a decade-long major drought on his back for a green jacket. A relieved McIlroy heads to a venue he has already won at four times. If he can emulate his past success on the layout, the Northern Irishman could lift his sixth major trophy by Sunday evening, and get excited as he'd be halfway to the grand slam.

Scottie Scheffler
Currently the most consistent force in men's golf, Scottie Scheffler is a perpetual threat every time he tees it up. The World No. 1 earned his first victory in 2025 in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, adding his first trophy from his home state to his 14 career PGA Tour titles. With a calm demeanor and championship poise, Scheffler is chasing his third career major—and very possibly a career Grand Slam in the making.

Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau returns to the PGA Championship stage as one of the most consistent major performers in the game. His steadied game has earned six top-10s over his last 10 major starts, including a runner-up in last year's PGA Championship and the 2024 U.S. Open title for his second career major victory. DeChambeau arrives in North Carolina after winning the LIV Golf Korea event in early May for his first title since his major triumph at Pinehurst No.2 last year. Quail Hollow's demanding layout will challenge his precision, but if Bryson finds his rhythm, he has the potential to overpower the course in spectacular fashion.

Justin Thomas
A two-time PGA Champion and native of Louisville, Justin Thomas enters this year's event with a chip on his shoulder. His 2024 season was inconsistent, but with his first victory since the 2022 PGA Championship just came at the RBC Heritage, breaking through in a one-hole playoff over Andrew Novak. Thomas has the creativity and grit to excel at Quail Hollow, where he won his first major in 2017. Back on familiar ground, JT is poised for a potential career-elevating week by becoming only the seventh three-time winner of the Wanamaker Trophy.

Rasmus Højgaard
A consistent DP World Tour force is one of the youngest European stars and in position to make his debut on the European Ryder Cup team. At only 24, Rasmus Højgaard i already earned a victory on the European circuit in the past five years. That form showed alongside his brother in last month's Zurich Classic, he notching a PGA Tour career-best runner-up finish. He sits quietly in third place in European Ryder Cup points. A strong showing at Quail Hollow could solidify his spot to debut at Bethpage Black, as the team's points list solidifies on August 24th.