The golfing world turns its attention to Charlotte, North Carolina, as Quail Hollow Club prepares to host the second major championship of the season. With the PGA Championship 2025 approaching, experts are highlighting Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy as a particularly compelling favorite given his exceptional history at this venue.
McIlroy's impressive track record at Quail Hollow—featuring four victories and five additional top-10 finishes in 13 appearances—makes him a natural favorite. His recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, with four worldwide wins in his last ten tournaments. Currently ranked third in true strokes gained tee-to-green and tenth in putting during this hot streak, McIlroy appears primed to claim what would be his third PGA Championship title.
While McIlroy's +500 odds reflect confidence in his chances, he faces stiff competition from world-class talents. Scottie Scheffler leads the odds board at +400, with Bryson DeChambeau coming in at +950 and Jon Rahm at +1600. Xander Schauffele (+2000) and Ludvig Aberg (+2200) round out the top contenders.
Beyond the headliners, several value picks have emerged. Canadian Corey Conners (+7500) has demonstrated elite tee-to-green play with a T13 and T8 in his previous Quail Hollow appearances. Patrick Reed, coming off a solo third at the Masters and with a T2 finish in the 2017 PGA Championship at this very course, looks promising for a top-30 finish.
Statbet analysis indicates that players with proven success at Quail Hollow typically outperform their expected results, making course history a crucial factor in this year's championship.
Patrick Cantlay's consistent performance—making the cut in 17 consecutive events dating back to his T3 at the 2024 U.S. Open—positions him well for a top-20 finish. Meanwhile, LIV Golf standout Joaquin Niemann, with three victories in eight LIV events this season, leads the South American contingent.
As the elite of golf prepare to tackle the challenging Quail Hollow layout, McIlroy's combination of course familiarity, current form, and major championship pedigree makes him the player to watch when competition begins.
