Flat Course, Flat Reactions
The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow has been underwhelming, with players and analysts calling out the flat, predictable design for failing to meet major expectations. Golfers like Justin Thomas criticized the lack of strategic complexity, while podcast hosts Andy Johnson and Brendan Porath described the course as “just another Tour stop” rather than a major-worthy battleground.
Repeat of Last Year’s Frustrations
Criticism of the PGA Championship setup isn’t new. In 2024, Valhalla faced backlash due to poor fan engagement and the infamous arrest of Scottie Scheffler. Quail Hollow, while more accessible, suffers from overuse as a regular PGA Tour venue. Johnson argued, “The worst thing you can do for your brand as a course is to host a Tour event if you want to be taken seriously as a major venue.”
Big Names Crash Out
Major stars have struggled. Brooks Koepka missed the cut by 8 strokes, while Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson collapsed with scores of +12 and +9, respectively. Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Hideki Matsuyama also exited early. Only Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele remain, both barely surviving at +1.
A Dull Leaderboard
Jhonattan Vegas leads the tournament, setting up the possibility of another first-time major winner. However, with few stars left in contention, the excitement level has taken a hit. Despite a promising layout, Quail Hollow hasn’t delivered the drama expected from a major weekend.
The Bigger Question
Should Quail Hollow host future majors, or is it time to rethink which courses truly elevate the prestige of championship golf? The debate continues, but many fans and insiders feel the current setup doesn’t match the gravity of the event.