McIlroy, Scheffler, and Spieth Set for Thrilling PGA Championship Showdown

Rory McIlroy looks to build on his Masters triumph at the PGA Championship, facing stiff competition from Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth.

Rory McIlroy joins an elite group of golfers, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen, and Ben Hogan, after winning all four major tournaments. With this achievement, McIlroy will tee off next week at Quail Hollow, a course where he has secured four PGA Tour titles, as a reigning major champion for the first time in a decade.

“I'm obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure, and I'm also going back to a venue that I love,” McIlroy said, expressing his excitement about the upcoming tournament. This familiarity with Quail Hollow could give him an edge as he competes against top golfers.

Rory McIlroy is heading into the PGA Championship with a renewed sense of confidence and relaxation after his Masters triumph. The world number two defeated Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta National, capturing his fifth major title and completing the career Grand Slam. This achievement will significantly alter his approach to upcoming majors.

McIlroy believes he'll feel more comfortable and less pressured heading into the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, a venue where he's secured four wins. “I'm obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure,” he said. He anticipates being “a little bit better to be around for my family” and enjoying a more relaxed state of mind. With his career Grand Slam now complete, McIlroy looks forward to a less stressful buildup to the tournament.

“It's nothing but positive vibes going in there next week with what happened a few weeks ago and then how well I've played at Quail.

“Yeah, it probably will feel a little bit different. I probably won't be quite as on edge as I've been the last few years when I've been at major championships. I'll probably be a little bit better to be around... I'll be a little more relaxed. I think overall it will be a good thing.”

Rory McIlroy will face new challenges at the PGA Championship, particularly from world number one Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler, who won nine times last year, recently claimed his first 2025 title at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, tying the PGA Tour 72-hole record low of 253 strokes.

“He won by a million last week and seems to be playing back to his best,” McIlroy said about Scheffler. Scheffler acknowledged the competition, saying, “We'll see who is the best player at the PGA.” He praised McIlroy, adding, ”Rory has been playing some tremendous golf this year.”

Justin Thomas is optimistic about his game, saying, “I feel like my game is trending in a good direction. I'm excited to start the rest of the season.” The two-time PGA Championship winner recently claimed his first title since 2022 at the Heritage tournament.

Thomas acknowledged the strong form of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, stating, “Rory winning the Masters... Scottie winning last week. Those two deserve all the spotlight and the favoritism they'll probably have next week.” However, Thomas expressed confidence in his own game, adding, “We're playing well and feeling great about everything come next week as well.”

Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion and LIV Golf Korea winner, is set to compete in the PGA Championship. DeChambeau had narrow losses in past PGA Championships, including last year's event where he was beaten on the 72nd hole, and a thrilling US Open win over Rory McIlroy a month later.

“There's a lot of star-studded talent out there right now that's going to be in the PGA Championship. We're going to be battling it out,” DeChambeau said, acknowledging the high level of competition he will face.

Xander Schauffele, the defending champion and recent winner of the British Open, is driven to expand his major collection. Schauffele's motivation stems from a desire to improve his game and work ethic.

“I don't think it's motivation to remind people. I think it's just motivation to play better and to keep working hard,” Schauffele said, highlighting his focus on personal growth and excellence rather than external validation.

“I feel like I'm putting nice building blocks together to get me back to a place where I feel like I can win every week.”

Spieth Eyes Career Slam

Jordan Spieth, winner of the 2015 Masters and US Open and the 2017 British Open, is aiming to complete his career Grand Slam at the PGA Championship. After recovering from left wrist surgery last August, Spieth showed promising form with a 62 in the final round of the Byron Nelson.

This will be Spieth's ninth attempt to complete the career Grand Slam, and he will compete on the same Quail Hollow course where he first had a chance to finish the Slam in 201.

Jordan Spieth feels his ball-striking is improving at a crucial time. “My ball-striking is coming around at a really nice time,” Spieth said. “I've been progressing each week since the surgery,” he added, highlighting his steady recovery and growth.

Rory McIlroy's Masters victory has inspired Spieth in his pursuit of a career Grand Slam. McIlroy understands the significance of achieving this feat, saying, “You're not just trying to win another tournament, you're trying to become part of history, and that has a certain weight to it.” McIlroy empathizes with Spieth's journey, noting, “I've certainly felt that at Augusta over the years. I'm sure Jordan has felt that a bit going into each PGA that he's had a chance to do the same thing.”