CHARLOTTE – With the PGA Championship returning to Quail Hollow for the first time in eight years, the key question everyone is asking across the golf world: Who are you betting to win this 170th installment of one of the nation’s most distinguished tournaments? With a field boasting 99 of the top 100 professional golfers alongside numerous PGA of America professionals, the second major championship of 2025 promises to be thrilling from Thursday’s kickoff until the Wanamaker Trophy is awarded early Sunday evening.
As the PGA Championship field takes shape, a notable trio headlines the favorites: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau. Currently, McIlroy and Scheffler top the PGA Championship odds board, with McIlroy already having secured three wins this season, including the coveted green jacket at the Masters last month. Meanwhile, Scheffler ended his winless streak two weeks ago at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, while DeChambeau continues to excel on the LIV Golf circuit.
Two-time champion Justin Thomas, who triumphed at Quail Hollow in 2017, is viewed as a strong contender behind the lead trio. Other notable participants include Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, and the ever-determined Jordan Spieth, who aims to capture a Wanamaker Trophy to complete his career grand slam. Spieth is presently experiencing his best season in years, even without a recent win.
So, what can we foresee at Quail Hollow this week? There are several storylines to monitor, and various trends hint at potential outcomes. Below are our CBS Sports experts’ predictions and picks as we seek to determine who will emerge victorious and how events might unfold during this second major championship of the year.
2025 PGA Championship Expert Picks and Predictions
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Patrick McDonald, Golf Writer
- Winner – Xander Schauffele (22-1): With his odds dipping due to DeChambeau’s rise, I’ll take advantage of the better price. Schauffele has performed commendably at Quail Hollow the past two years with back-to-back runner-up finishes, currently riding a wave of success in majors with consistent performances.
- Sleeper – Patrick Reed (90-1): Having previously finished as a runner-up at the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Reed arrives in formidable shape, having finished in the top 10 during four of his last five international outings.
- Top 10 Lock – Rory McIlroy: He’s a staple at Quail Hollow with four wins, arriving in peak form without the pressure of past major slumps. His driving distance will be a significant advantage given the current weather conditions.
- Star Who Won’t Win – Justin Thomas: Boldly, I doubt Thomas will remain competitive despite the hype. A notable downturn has marked his driving this season, making scoring difficult, so I expect him to struggle.
Robby Kalland, Golf Writer
- Winner – Justin Thomas (22-1): Given his triumphant history at Quail Hollow, I believe Thomas will replicate his former success this time around, especially considering his impressive, consistent performances in recent events.
- Sleeper – Max Homa (160-1): Homa’s prior success at Quail Hollow plus recent improvements suggest he may deliver surprising results this week.
- Top 10 Lock – Rory McIlroy: With a wealth of wins here, McIlroy is expected to perform exceptionally well under current conditions.
- Star Who Definitely Won’t Win – Ludvig Åberg: Despite solid odds, Åberg’s recent performance raises doubts about his competitiveness this week.
In conclusion, while numerous factors will contribute to this unpredictable tournament, our experts continue to analyze trends and patterns as we head into the event.
