DeChambeau, who finished runner-up to Xander Schauffele in last year's tournament, is considered one of the top contenders going into Quail Hollow. His recent major form has only boosted confidence, including a U.S. Open victory last year and a tie for fifth at the Masters just last month.
Joining him among the favorites are Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who continue to lead the field in both form and fan expectations. Scheffler, widely regarded as the player to beat, recently captured his first win of the 2025 season at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and is still seeking his first PGA Championship title after a runner-up finish in 2023.
McIlroy, meanwhile, brings a deep history of success at Quail Hollow. The Northern Irishman is a two-time PGA Champion and has four career wins at the Charlotte course. His connection to Quail Hollow runs deep - he captured his first PGA Tour title there in 2010 and famously shot a course-record 61 during his 2015 Wells Fargo Championship victory.
"I just went on a run that, for whatever reason, I’m able to go on at this golf course," McIlroy said after his win in 2024. "Quail Hollow and Charlotte in general have been really good to me."
That 2015 win came with a dominant seven-shot margin, and he added another Wells Fargo title in 2021 before storming past Schauffele last year with a final-round 65.
"I feel like these people have kind of watched me grow up - from winning here as a 20-year-old," McIlroy said last year. "They’ve kind of seen my progression through the years. The support I get here is absolutely amazing."
Among others drawing attention this week are Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas, both considered strong outside picks. While Rahm is yet to generate the same buzz as the leading trio, his experience and power make him a dangerous presence in any major. Thomas and Jordan Spieth have also been mentioned as potential dark horses.
With the course expected to play soft due to forecasted early-week rain, DeChambeau’s length off the tee could prove a major advantage. His powerful driving and recent consistency in majors have only added to the belief that his moment at the PGA Championship could be near.
As the action tees off at Quail Hollow, all eyes will be on whether one of the top picks can deliver- or if another contender will rise to the occasion.
Severe weather forced officials to close Quail Hollow Club to spectators on Monday, halting fan access to the first practice day ahead of this week's PGA Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Keith Mitchell held onto a one-shot lead after a rain-soaked second round of the PGA Tour's Truist Championship on Friday, with Shane Lowry closing in and Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas five strokes back.
Keith Mitchell fired a career-low nine-under-par 61 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Truist Championship on Thursday, while Rory McIlroy finished the day five strokes back.
Fresh off his Masters triumph and ending his decade-long wait to complete the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy is ready to shift focus to this week's Truist Championship on the PGA Tour.
