If you’re new to the wonderful world of golf, there’s no better time to dive into the game than during one of its biggest events—the PGA Championship.
The PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) of America holds this event every May, at a new course across the United States each year. This tournament brings together the world’s top players for an exciting weekend, full of energy and excitement.
With the 2025 PGA Championship just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to clear your plans for that weekend and get ready! Let’s talk about how watching the pros at the highest caliber can actually help you improve your golf swing as a beginner or amateur golfer.
PGA 2025: When and Where Is It Happening?
This year’s PGA Championship takes place May 12–18, 2025, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This course has hosted major tournaments before, including the 2017 PGA Championship. It’s known for its challenging layout, especially the final three holes – famously called the “Green Mile.” More on that later.
Whether you’re watching for entertainment or education, this course delivers on both fronts.
Players to Keep an Eye On
Even if you’re not familiar with all the big names in golf yet, this tournament is a great intro to the players dominating the sport today. Here are a few worth watching:
- Scottie Scheffler: One of the favorites going into the 2025 championship, known for his calm demeanor and technically sound swing. If you want to study solid fundamentals, he’s always a great pro to watch.
- Rory McIlroy: A fan favorite who, at the 2025 Masters, just achieved his career Grand Slam (a win for every major championship). He brings a powerful, fluid swing that’s fun to watch and educational for understanding balance and timing, and also holds the course record at Quail Hollow (2015).
- Xander Schauffele: As the defending champion, he’ll be under pressure to perform again. Watch how he manages stress and keeps his routine steady to see if he can rise to the top.
- Ludvig Åberg: A rising star with a very unique style—a shining example of how different swing approaches can still produce great results at the highest caliber. Before going pro in 2023, Åberg ranked number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for a total of 29 weeks.
What Makes Quail Hollow Club a Special Golf Course?
*photo credit: https://www.quailhollowclub.com/golf-course
Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte is a par-71 course stretching over 7,600 yards, and it’s considered a tough but overall fair test for all players. Its defining stretch is the “Green Mile” (holes 16 through 18), which have the potential to make or break a player’s round. Watching how the pros tackle this part of the course can teach you a lot about risk management, endurance and shot planning in the final stretch.
The course also features a mix of long par-4s, strategic par-3s, and reachable par-5s—ideal for seeing how different clubs and strategies come into play. It challenges every part of a golfer’s game, from driving accuracy to short game finesse.
What Are the Experts Saying About 2025?
Analysts and former champions agree that this year’s tournament will be physically and mentally demanding. With the course playing long and fast, precision off the tee and a sharp short game will be critical. This sets the stage for dramatic swings on the leaderboard and plenty of teachable moments for beginners.
If you’re just starting out, take note of how players adjust their strategy based on pin positions, wind, and pressure. These are the little things that can massively improve your game over time.
How to Watch (and Learn!) The PGA Championship
You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the PGA Championship—you just need to watch with a purpose. Here are some tips:
- Pick a player to follow: Focus on their swing tempo, shot choices, and how they manage the course.
- Take notes: Especially if you’re working on a specific part of your game like driving or putting.
- Pay attention to the pre-shot routine: It’s one of the most overlooked parts of a consistent swing.
Watching golf through a learner’s lens helps you absorb real strategies and apply them during your next round.
Ready to Swing Like the Pros?
The 2025 PGA Championship is more than just a major—it’s a front-row seat to how the best in the world approach the game. As you watch players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy navigate tough holes and pressure-packed moments, think about how their techniques and routines can translate to your own game.
If you’re inspired to take your swing to the next level, now’s a great time to check out some of the game-changing tools we offer at Performance Golf. Whether it’s training aids that help you fix a slice, training videos with top golf coaches, or exclusive VIP golf school programs, there’s something for every golfer—especially beginners looking to fast-track their improvement.
