By Cameron Lee
May 11, 2025
Photo: David Jensen / AP
Charlotte will welcome the return of the PGA Championship this week, the second major of the season, with an expected 200,000 golf enthusiasts from around the world gathering to watch some of the best players on the planet at Quail Hollow Club.
The Course
Founded in 1959 by businessman James J. Harris, with leadership now passed to his son, Johnny Harris, the golf course officially opened in 1961 and was originally designed by George Cobb — who is best known for Augusta National’s Par-3 course. Arnold Palmer made key modifications in 1986, and renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio led multiple redesigns between 1997 and 2016. From 1969 to 1979, the club hosted the Kemper Open and became home to the Wachovia Championship (Wells Fargo, now the Truist Championship) in 2003. Quail Hollow staged its first major (the PGA Championship) in 2017, where Justin Thomas earned his first major victory. In 2022, the club hosted the Presidents Cup, with Thomas playing a pivotal role alongside Jordan Spieth in Team USA’s win, going a perfect 4-0-0 in match play.
Course Renovations: Enhancing the Fan Experience
Quail Hollow has undergone several transformations over the years. Notably, in 2003, the course’s famed “Green Mile” was created with the redesign of holes 16, 17, and 18. Further modifications were made in 2016 by Fazio to adjust the course length, bunkers, and greens ahead of the 2017 PGA Championship. In preparation for the 2022 Presidents Cup, additional changes were made, including the construction of a 3,000-seat amphitheater around the first tee.
For the 2025 PGA Championship, more upgrades were implemented, including new bleachers, hospitality tents, and expanded concession areas. One of the most anticipated features this year is the all-inclusive food system, which offers fans easy access to a variety of food and beverage options throughout the tournament.
All-Inclusive Food
For the first time at Quail Hollow, all general admission tickets will include the Championship+ feature, which grants unlimited access to food and non-alcoholic beverages at all on-course concession stands. From Monday to Championship Sunday, ticket holders can enjoy a selection of entrées, snacks, and drinks without needing to go through a checkout process — just grab and go, as many times as you like throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the program but can be purchased separately.
Patina Group, the official caterer of the PGA Championship since 2021, has curated a menu inspired by the local flavors of Charlotte and the surrounding region. Breakfast options include classic sausage and chicken biscuits, while lunch offerings range from grilled chicken sandwiches to plant-based burgers. Snacks like chips, pretzels, and cookies are also available, along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
Rory McIlroy’s Dominance at Quail Hollow
McIlroy has won the Wells Fargo Championship a record four times at Quail Hollow. He earned his first PGA Tour win at the course in 2010, shooting a stunning 62 in the final round. In 2015, he won again, setting the tournament record with a 21-under-par 267, including an incredible 61 in the third round. In 2021, he secured another victory with a one-stroke win over Abraham Ancer, and last year, McIlroy captured his fourth title at the event, finishing at 17-under with a five-shot victory over Xander Schauffele.
Coming off his epic Masters win, where he secured his first green jacket and completed the career Grand Slam (becoming the first European to achieve the feat), there is no doubt who the fan favorite will be this week.
Who are the Favorites this Year besides McIlroy?
Scottie Scheffler and McIlroy are betting favorites at +450 to +500, with Scheffler coming off a strong performance at the The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Two-time U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau follows at +1000, while defending champion Xander Schauffele has odds between +1200 and +2000. Jon Rahm (+2500) and Justin Thomas (+2000) are also contenders, each aiming for another major win. With Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Aberg, and Brooks Koepka all in the mix, this year’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow should be an exciting one.
Ticket Options & Pricing
General admission tickets, which include access to the Championship+ food and beverage system, range from $76 to $282, depending on the day. You’ll get access to the grounds, public grandstand seating, PGA Shops, and various brand activations. For a more premium experience, the Club PGA package offers access to an elevated hospitality venue with food, an open bar, and seating options, along with parking privileges.
- Monday, May 12: $76
- Tuesday, May 13: $99
- Wednesday, May 14: $122
- Thursday, May 15: $237
- Friday, May 16: From $324
- Saturday, May 17: From $383
- Sunday, May 18: $282
Parking & Transportation
Parking is available for a daily fee of $20 at Carowinds (Monday-Friday), Ballantyne Corporate Place (Saturday-Sunday), and the Park Expo Center (Monday-Sunday). A complimentary shuttle service will transport spectators to and from the main entrance of Quail Hollow Club. ADA parking is available at Central Piedmont Community College’s Harper Campus (315 W. Hebron St.).
For those using rideshare services, the designated pick-up/drop-off point is located at 3700 Gleneagles Road, just a short walk from the Main Spectator Entrance at Quail Hollow Club. Additionally, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is offering free rides for ticket holders, with convenient shuttle services running throughout the week.
The PGA Shops
Explore the 49,000-square-foot merchandise tent, offering the largest selection in PGA Championship history. With over 1,200 different logoed items, the PGA Shops will feature apparel, headwear, and novelty items for men, women, and youth. Notable brands include Nike, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Under Armour, FootJoy, and local companies like 704 Shop. Located to the left of the Hole 1 fairway, the merchandise tent will be open all week — until 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8:15 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
PGA Partner Activations & Experiences
Attendees can visit the PGA Swing Analysis by Charles Schwab on the 10th Fairway for personalized lessons and giveaways. The Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy serves craft cocktails, while the ESPN BET Mint Club VIP Lounge offers food, drinks, and gaming areas for those who make a deposit on the ESPN BET Sportsbook app. The High Noon Clubhouse, located between holes 9 and 10, features interactive games, and the Michelob ULTRA Greenside Viewing area provides premium views of the 15th Green. T-Mobile members can access Club Magenta for an AR putting experience, complimentary phone charging, and surprise talent appearances. The William Hill Wine Lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere with wine selections, and the Tito’s Golf Club on the 13th Green will serve up cocktails and fun games.
The Wanamaker Trophy Presentation
The culmination of the PGA Championship, the Wanamaker Trophy Presentation, will take place on Sunday, immediately following the conclusion of the tournament. If there is a tie for first place after 72 holes, there will be a three-hole aggregate score play-off on holes 16, 17, and 18, followed by a hole-by-hole play-off if needed.
With the PGA Championship expected to sell out this week, golf is showing just how much more inclusive and accessible the sport is becoming. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply here to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s a rare opportunity to experience one of the four major championships — right here in Charlotte.
For FAQs, admission policies, on-site maps, alerts, and to manage your tickets, download the official PGA Championship app on iOS and Android.
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