The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club was full of high drama, emotional comebacks, and memorable moments. From Scottie Scheffler’s dominant performance to unexpected twists and heartwarming stories, we review some of the highlights from the second major of the season.
Scottie Scheffler’s Third Major
Scottie Scheffler cemented his status as the world’s number one golfer by winning his third major. Despite a shaky front-nine display in the final round, where he blew a five-shot lead and was tied with Jon Rahm, Scheffler showed incredible grit. He regrouped on the back nine and hit accurate drives and birdies under pressure. His even-par 71 final round gave him a five-shot victory.
This is now Scheffler’s 15th career PGA TOUR win in 6 years, matching the early career pace of golf’s all-time greats.
Scheffler’s win was not only a professional milestone but a personal one. After lifting the Wanamaker Trophy, he hugged his wife and young son. The sweet moments showed how much this win meant to him and endeared him to the fans even more.
Jon Rahm’s Wild Ride
Jon Rahm charged during the final round, erasing Scheffler’s five-shot lead and claiming a share of the lead. But the treacherous “Green Mile” at Quail Hollow got him. Rahm bogeyed and double-bogeyed the last holes and finished seven back of Scheffler. Despite the disappointment, Rahm showed why he remains an elite player and will be in the mix in future majors.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Late Run
Bryson DeChambeau made a late push and finished tied-2nd with Harris English and Davis Riley at six under. DeChambeau’s aggressive play and big drives were as always fun to watch, especially during the 3rd round, where he held the lead. But an error at the 17th, where his tee shot found the water, effectively dashed his hopes of catching Scheffler.
Luke Donald’s Classic Performance
In one of the week’s best stories, Luke Donald, 47, ranked 871st in the world and 0 for 2025, shot a bogey-free 67 in the first round, the only player to do so. He had missed the cut in all his previous 2025 starts, and this was a blast from the past.
Jhonattan Vegas Makes History
Jhonattan Vegas led after the first two rounds, the first Venezuelan ever to lead a major after any round. His 64 in the first round set the pace, and he was 2 up after 36 holes. He couldn’t sustain it over the weekend, but his early lead was certainly a big deal for Venezuelan golf.
Rory McIlroy’s Misery
Off his Masters win, Rory McIlroy came into the PGA Championship with high expectations. But he struggled all week and finished 3 over and tied for 47th. McIlroy’s underperformance surprised many, and he notably skipped media duties post-round, indicating his frustration and disappointment over his display.
Course Challenges and Player Feedback
The Quail Hollow course, especially the “Green Mile,” was tough. Defending champ Xander Schauffele said the course was terrible, and the 17th hole was set up awful after finishing at 1-under. The unpredictability of the course meant players were in and out of contention quickly.
Entertaining Moments
Scottie Scheffler’s Trophy Topper Tumble
After his third major win, Scottie Scheffler celebrated by lifting the Wanamaker Trophy, and the lid popped off. He laughed and said, “We’ll fix it.”
Jon Rahm’s Playful Fan Interaction
In the third round, Jon Rahm hit a fan on 11. Luckily, the fan was fine, and Rahm went up to him and said if he had soccer skills, he might have kicked the ball closer to the hole. Then he gave him a hug and a signed ball. Classy from the Spaniard.
Rory McIlroy’s Unfiltered Reaction to Weather Delay
When play was delayed due to thunderstorms, cameras caught Rory McIlroy mouthing a colorful expletive in frustration.
Tom Kim’s Muddy Misadventure
Tom Kim might have had the most talked about moment of the tournament when he emerged from a muddy area looking like he had dipped in a chocolate fountain. He was trying to hit a tough shot and ended up covered in mud but took it in stride. He laughed with his caddie and the commentators. He’s a good sport and showed the lighter side of golf.
Dustin Johnson’s Cheeky Injury Excuse
Dustin Johnson brought some humor to the championship by saying his back injury was from a romantic encounter with Paulina Gretzky, not golf. His honesty was a nice break from the seriousness.
Taylor Moore’s Double Club Toss
Frustration got the best of Taylor Moore, and he threw his club not once but twice. While it was a raw emotion, it’s also a talking point for fans and commentators about the pressure of big-time golf.