CHARLOTTE — This week, North Carolina plays host to the 107th PGA Championship, featuring the strongest competitive field of the season. Among the 156 players are 99 of the top 100 golfers in the world (excluding an injured Billy Horschel), along with past major champions and 20 PGA professionals. The Championship is known for generating everything from remarkable underdog stories to emerging legends, all within just four rounds of golf.
With such a formidable lineup, the PGA Championship requires careful evaluation to separate potential winners from those less likely to contend. Although 156 players have the opportunity to win the Wanamaker Trophy, the realistic number of serious contenders is likely closer to 25.
Rather than speculating who might become this year’s surprise standout—such as last year’s Michael Block—we will focus on the likely frontrunners for the title.
This group includes golfers with prior victories at this level, those in form aiming to enhance their resumes, and those who might be flying under the radar for various reasons.
Top Contenders for the 2025 PGA Championship
1. Rory McIlroy (2012, 2014 Winner): The two-time champion is performing notably well this season, gaining nearly three strokes per round. He has a favorable history at Quail Hollow, making him a top choice as the pressure of the grand slam is off his back.
2. Scottie Scheffler (T2 in 2023): Following a recent win and armed with confidence, Scheffler enters with a good game. However, he lacks the same historical success at Quail Hollow as McIlroy, marking this as his first competitive stroke-play appearance here.
3. Bryson DeChambeau (2nd in 2024): A solid bet based on his recent form and course fit. He’s coming off a victory in South Korea and has consistently finished in the top five at recent PGA Championships, showcasing both power and accuracy.
4. Xander Schauffele (2024 Champion): After a strong finish in Philadelphia, Schauffele arrives with an impressive record, having 12 consecutive major top 20 finishes. He’s also the defending champion and has performed well at Quail Hollow in recent outings.
