Rory McIlroy is back at the 2025 USPGA Championship, held from May 15 to 18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is McIlroy’s 17th PGA Championship appearance, and many see him as a top contender for the title.
McIlroy has a strong history at Quail Hollow. He first played there in 2010 and won his first PGA Tour title at this course. Since then, he has won four times at Quail Hollow, including the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship. His scoring average at this venue is an impressive 69.48, far better than any other player in this generation.
At 36 years old, McIlroy comes into the tournament with great confidence after winning the 2025 Masters Tournament in April, completing his career Grand Slam. This victory ended a long major championship drought for him and lifted a heavy mental burden.
McIlroy says he has “done everything” he wanted in golf and now sees future achievements as a bonus.
Despite his success, McIlroy remains focused. He said he wants to “create a few more highlights” and continue playing his best golf without the pressure of chasing specific numbers or records.
He acknowledges that winning the Masters may never be matched emotionally, but is determined to keep competing at the highest level.
McIlroy is aiming to become the first golfer since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win consecutive majors by capturing the USPGA Championship after his Masters win. He recently supported this ambition, with three victories and multiple top 10 finishes in 2025 so far.
However, McIlroy’s first round at the 2025 USPGA Championship was disappointing. As one of the betting co-favourites alongside Scottie Scheffler, expectations were high, but he struggled in his opening round at Quail Hollow.
McIlroy’s approach to the course this year is relaxed. He said the course felt familiar despite the major championship status, with only slightly thicker rough than usual. His experience and past success at Quail Hollow make him a strong candidate to contend for the title again.
Although Rory McIlroy enters the 2025 USPGA Championship with a rich history at Quail Hollow and fresh confidence from his recent Masters victory. While his first round was below expectations, his track record and mindset suggest he remains a serious threat to win another major. Fans will watch closely to see if McIlroy can continue his impressive run and add a sixth major title to his career.