Quail Hollow Club is set to host the PGA Championship from May 12-18, marking its return to this prestigious event eight years after Justin Thomas secured his first Wanamaker Trophy there in 2017. On that occasion, Thomas triumphed over a competitive field, finishing the tournament two shots ahead of Francesco Molinari, Louis Oosthuizen, and Patrick Reed.
The championship will once again take place on the par-71 layout, now slightly longer at 7,626 yards. The course, initially opened in 1961 and designed by George Cobb, has seen enhancements by golfing legends such as Arnold Palmer and Tom Fazio, making it one of North Carolina’s premier golf destinations.
Here are five key highlights about Quail Hollow:
1. Renowned for its quality, the course’s origins stem from a site that was once among North Carolina’s largest dairy farms. The name “Quail Hollow” reflects the presence of quail in the area, and as noted by the late columnist Ron Green, it has evolved into a highly regarded golfing venue.
2. The infamous “Green Mile,” referring to the challenging final three holes, is known for its difficulty. In past tournaments, these holes ranked among the most challenging in major championship history, requiring skill and strategy to navigate successfully.
3. Notable players have commented on the excitement of the closing stretch. Keegan Bradley described it as an entertaining finish filled with potential drama, while Collin Morikawa emphasized the all-around challenge the course presents, highlighting its mix of difficult tee shots alongside scorable holes.
4. Interestingly, the front nine proved more difficult during the previous championship, despite the back nine housing the most challenging holes. This imbalance suggests nuances in course strategy that players may focus on again.
5. A critical aspect of success in major championships is hitting fairways, yet Thomas’s ability to perform exceptionally despite being ranked low for fairways hit illustrates the importance of overall skill and adaptability under pressure.
As anticipation builds for this year’s championship, fans and players alike are eager to see how competitors will tackle Quail Hollow’s complexities. With its storied history and challenging layout, Quail Hollow promises an exciting tournament filled with drama and outstanding golf.