PGA Championship Preview

The 2nd major of the season has arrived! This weekend at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina, we get to witness the 107th PGA Championship. Not only will it feature the largest field of the 4 majors, but by many golf experts' standards, it’s considered the most wide open as well.

Weather has and may continue to be a huge factor throughout the week and weekend, with rain dumping on the course heading into early this week. Still, many are calling this one of the best fields in history to take on a major, with Hall-of-Fame potential names all over the place.

This begs the question: Can anyone take down a coming-into-form Scottie Scheffler or a newly crowned Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy?

Along with them are so many more big names looking for either another major or their first shot at etching themselves into golf history. Let’s start off with the 5 BIG favorites to win this thing, but trust me, there are more than 5 guys who definitely have the ability to turn it on this weekend and come home with the trophy. These five are proven major winners and playing well heading into this weekend.

Scottie Scheffler (+425)

This is the easiest #1. He recently almost set an all-time PGA Tour record for lowest score in a victory. He looks to be getting his edge back after maybe cooling off since that Olympics comeback gold medal. He does a great job of fitting his game into different course styles. The field might be catching up a bit, but Scottie is still the clear favorite at the PGA.

Why he won’t: His putter fails him on slower greens, leaving too many birdies out there.

Rory McIlroy (+500)

FINALLY!!! The Grand Slam is achieved. So, does that win take the lid off and open the door for many more to come? This weekend is the first of three left this season where we’ll get some answers. I think the Irishman plays a lot more free now in majors, giving him more chances to add to his legacy. He likes Quail Hollow, and this setup, especially with the weather forecast, fits him perfectly.

Why he won’t: Grand Slam hangover, just not as sharp as he wants to be.

Justin Thomas (+2200)

Did a recent win uncover a lost game? JT finally broke through with a PGA Tour win in the past month, and that momentum could be huge. Add in the fact that he’s done it at the PGA before, and you’ve got a recipe coming together. JT is a “get in a groove” type guy, if he's in one now, watch out.

Why he won’t: Too many givebacks. He struggles to avoid blow-up holes that take him out of contention.

Bryson DeChambeau (+900)

The guy is going to be in the conversation for every major now, he’s worked his way into that tier over the last two seasons. Yes, he’s still prone to meltdowns when he over-trusts his skills, but his carry numbers will be a big advantage on a soggy course. Those extra yards will give him more birdie looks than most.

Why he won’t: Driver gets a little wild and costs him fairway chances to attack pins.

Jon Rahm (+1800)

Another proven major winner who’s been playing solid golf. Really, one bad round at the Masters is all that kept him out of contention, he was right there otherwise. A powerful hitter with tons of carry, Rahm is trying to rediscover his form from a couple of years ago. This is the perfect time.

Why he won’t: Can he put together four solid rounds? That’s what hurt him at Augusta.

Now onto the true wildcards, the guys who could show up in top form this weekend. Some of these dudes aren’t even major winners, or it’s been a while, but they’ve got big names and even bigger potential. I think we all know why they might not win, but here's some reason for a little faith.

Viktor Hovland (+5000)

Remember...I said wildcards! Hovland is the definition of one. He could go out and shoot mid-60s all weekend en route to a chill first major... or shoot 76–73 and be home by Friday night.

The talent is absolutely there, and he’s had chances before. A fan favorite many are hoping finally breaks through.

Jordan Spieth (+5000)

Grand Slams back-to-back? Spieth has a chance to make history too, he just needs the PGA to complete his slam. His play in 2025 has been better, even if he hasn’t popped yet, which makes him due this weekend. Avoid the blow-up holes, and we might see another slam celebration on Sunday.

Ludvig Åberg (+2800)

Åberg hasn’t had the year many expected, but this weekend could change everything.

He was in it at the Masters in April, but he’s never played the weekend at a PGA.

His game, when on, is Top 5 in the world without question. Last weekend’s struggles have cooled the hype, but this could be the bounce-back.

Patrick Cantlay (+4500)

I mean... this guy has to win some random major at some point, right? So why not this weekend?

He frustrates fans, and usually doesn’t bring his A-game to majors...but if he does this time, his putter could be the weapon that carries him.

Shane Lowry (+5500)

Rain? Wind? That sounds like home to Shane. The Irishman thrives in tough conditions, his muscle memory and creativity around the greens could be a game-changer. Another fan favorite who no one would mind seeing hoist the trophy

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Now, what about some REAL LONGSHOTS? Dudes who your buddies will laugh in your face when you mention the "well maybe..."

Will Zalatoris (+13000)

Willy Z came so close to winning the PGA a few years ago. He’s got the guts to hang around in majors...question is, can he resurface this week as a contender? Top 10 at +700 is great value.

Mackenzie Hughes (+20000)

The Canadian loves this course, and treats it like a home track, which could be a huge hidden advantage. Top 10 at +1000 is a must-take, right? Also he’s been swinging it really well lately.

So those are the winner, which yeah we all want to pick a winner, but often the best bets are within the Top 10 or Top 5 markets.

Here are a few solid Top 10 plays:

• Max Homa +900

• Sam Burns +650

• Tom Kim +900

• Nicolai Højgaard +1200

All solid value, and the type of guys who, even if out of contention on Sunday, could shoot an early low round and sneak into the Top 10. Just an idea for all you degenerates out there!

The PGA may not be the most prestigious by any means, it doesn’t seem to generate the same buzz as the other three majors...but it always brings the most wide-open field. With likely more than 150 golfers teeing off Thursday, it gives fans a unique viewing experience. Major golf is precious. And with the sport still divided, we need to soak in these rare chances when all the big guns are on the same course.

I’ll end with this...My prediction for the 2025 PGA Championship: Viktor Hovland.