The PGA Championship returns to a familiar site this year as we head to Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. While some fans may grumble about the lack of novelty, there’s a definite advantage for bettors and DFS players: we know this course inside and out.
Quail Hollow is a regular host of the Wells Fargo Championship, making it one of the most studied venues on the PGA Tour. That course familiarity gives us a clearer blueprint for success this week—and that blueprint starts with distance off the tee.
Course Fit: Bombs Away
The formula at Quail Hollow isn’t complicated: hit the ball far—really far.
Quail is one of the longest tracks on the schedule, and it rewards elite drivers of the golf ball. It’s no surprise that Rory McIlroy has had repeated success here—he’s not only one of the best drivers of all time but also has a proven track record at this course.
The Odds Board: Key Contenders to Watch
Scottie Scheffler (+400) & Rory McIlroy (+475)
Scheffler once again sits atop the odds board, but don’t be surprised if he and Rory open at the same number come Thursday.
Scottie is fresh off a win at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, but that was a weak field and a low-scoring birdie fest—the opposite of what Quail Hollow presents. He’s also never played a stroke-play event here (only the Presidents Cup), and notably skipped the Truist last week, perhaps signaling that he’s prepping for a challenge he’s not fully comfortable with.
Meanwhile, Rory owns this place. Thirteen starts, four wins, and five additional top-10s. He knows this course better than anyone in the field, is in great form, and has a real shot at going back-to-back in majors.
Bryson DeChambeau +1400
Bryson has been driving the ball at a rate never before seen. Say what you want about the LIV stats but he passes the eye test as well. He is hitting it as straight as he has in years while keeping the distance on the higher end. That will work around Quail.
Collin Morikawa (+2200)
This is the first week in a while where Collin genuinely intrigues me. If fairways are hard to find, his elite precision off the tee and into greens becomes a massive asset. Also: SG: Greiner vibes strong. Max Homa’s past success here might offer some secondhand edge.
Justin Thomas (+2200)
JT will be a popular pick—and rightfully so. Strong course history, paired with elite recent ball-striking form, is a hard combo to pass up. He’s hitting it as well as he ever has.
Hideki Matsuyama (+4000)
This number is straight-up value. Hideki has gained over 10 strokes on approach across his last two starts and finished T5 at Quail Hollow previously. The only concern is how he looks off the tee—monitor the driver early.
Jordan Spieth (+5000)
Jordan is driving it well and putting better, but his iron play has been a problem, especially here. That said, driver-putter combos can go a long way at Quail, just ask Rory.
Final Thoughts
Quail Hollow offers a rare edge for bettors: course history actually matters at this PGA Championship Venue. Long hitters with elite approach play and major experience will be at the top of the board. Look for value down the odds board, especially among precise ball strikers and players with past success on Bermuda setups.
