Rory McIlroy handed blockbuster start to PGA Championship with tee-time confirmed amid storm conditions

Andrew Pierce and Bev Turner call for Rory McIlroy to be given a knighthood after historic golf grand slam
Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 13/05/2025

- 19:46

Updated: 13/05/2025

- 20:27

Rory McIlroy will be grouped with two of the best golfers in the world in his bid to win back-to-back majors this weekend at the PGA Championship

The world's top three golfers have been grouped together for the opening rounds of the PGA Championship, setting up a blockbuster start to the year's second major.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy, world number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Xander Schauffele will tee off as a trio on Thursday.


The grouping brings together three of golf's biggest stars currently at the peak of their powers.

And to add an extra layer of pathetic fallacy, the threesome are set to get underway amid stormy conditions in Charlotte - bringing a whole new level of drama to what is already shaping up to be a dramatic week of golf.

Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy will be gunning for PGA Championship glory this weekendGETTY

McIlroy arrives fresh from his Masters triumph, Scheffler continues his dominant run as the world's top-ranked player, while Schauffele defends the title he claimed at Valhalla last year.

The trio will begin their championship bid at 8.22am local time (1.22pm UK time) on Thursday.

McIlroy is chasing back-to-back major victories following his recent Masters triumph.

The Northern Irishman will feel particularly confident at Quail Hollow Club, a venue where he has already claimed four previous victories.

His pursuit of consecutive major titles comes at a course where he has demonstrated remarkable comfort and success throughout his career.

Scheffler, DeChambeau, Schauffele and Thomas are among the other top contenders looking to lift the Wanamaker Trophy this weekend.

JUST IN: Everton Women stop Goodison Park demolition after club chief makes major decision

The championship promises fierce competition with so many elite players in strong form.

McIlroy appears confident about his chances heading into the tournament at a venue he knows well.

"I think I'm in a good place. I didn't feel like I played all that well and I still finished seventh. Even what I feel is my bad golf, I'm still there or thereabouts," McIlroy said.

He believes minor adjustments will help his performance at Quail Hollow.

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton shows off new look alongside snooker legend Jimmy White's wife at charity event

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler will be desperate to win a major after missing out on The Masters

Reuters

"A couple little improvements and little tweaks, especially going to a place I love like Quail Hollow, and I feel like I'm in a really good spot."

The world number two also addressed his recent driving challenges on open courses.

"I felt like I drove it a little better on the back nine on Sunday, which was good."

Schauffele, who claimed his first major championship at Valhalla last year, reflected on the significance of that breakthrough victory.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Xander Schauffele

Xander Schauffele beat Bryson DeChambeau to win the PGA Championship last year

REUTERS

"It was going to be that conversation until - if I didn't win one ever, it would have been that conversation that would have haunted me until I was done playing probably," Schauffele admitted.

"Luckily I was able to rattle that one off, my first one at Valhalla, the PGA, which was awesome."

Despite his defending champion status, Schauffele maintains he still has points to prove.

"I feel like I've done it before, but at the same time, I feel I'm still trying to prove myself as well."