They say major championships are won not just with talent, but with strategy and no course tests both quite like Quail Hollow. With the 2025 PGA Championship teeing off at this legendary Charlotte venue, golf fans around the world are in for a treat. From nail-biting finishes on the infamous “Green Mile” to the roars of the crowd echoing through Carolina pines, Quail Hollow promises more than just a tournament, it promises theater.
In this Quail Hollow guide, we’ll take you deep into the course itself, hole by hole, revealing the traps, turns, and triumphs that make it one of the most iconic stops in professional golf. Whether you’re tracking your favorite players, planning a trip to watch the action, or just want to out chat your golf buddies, this breakdown has everything you need.
The Premier Championship Venue
Quail Hollow Club’s selection as the venue for the 2025 PGA Championship marks a celebrated return to one of golf’s most iconic courses. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, this will be the second time the club hosts the PGA Championship, the first being in 2017, when Justin Thomas claimed his first major victory in dramatic fashion. Quail Hollow has also hosted the Presidents Cup in 2022 and serves as the regular home of the Wells Fargo Championship, making it a proven stage for elite competition.
The course is beloved by fans and feared (in a good way) by pros. With design contributions from Tom Fazio, Quail Hollow is known for its slick greens, narrow fairways, and the notorious “Green Mile” (holes 16–18), which has seen countless clutch moments and heartbreaking collapses. Rory McIlroy, a fan favorite, has won four times at Quail Hollow and has finished in the top 10 nine times, cementing his status as a course legend.

Bringing the PGA Championship back here not only honors the venue’s rich history but also sets the stage for high drama in 2025. Its reputation for tight finishes and memorable highlights promises excitement for fans, both on site and watching from home.
Quail Hollow: Hole-by-Hole Breakdown
Let’s delve into the specifics of each hole and what players can expect:
Front Nine
- Hole 1 – Par 4, 505 yards:
A demanding opener requiring a precise tee shot to avoid bunkers on the left. The narrow, undulating green is protected by three large bunkers.
- Hole 2 – Par 4, 452 yards
A hard dogleg-left with a fairway that slopes right. The uphill approach to a green that slopes dramatically to the right adds to the challenge.
- Hole 3 – Par 4, 483 yards:
The number one handicap hole features a long, straight fairway with a deep bunker on the right. The raised, two-tier green is surrounded by three bunkers.
- Hole 4 – Par 3, 184 yards:
A picturesque hole framed by tall pines. The large, undulating green is guarded by three front bunkers, and shots over the green face a tricky up and down.
- Hole 5 – Par 4, 449 yards
A slight dogleg-right with fairway bunkers in the landing area. The approach is to a narrow, angled green on a hillside, guarded by a large front-right bunker.
- Hole 6 – Par 3, 249 yards:
The longest par 3 on the course plays downhill to a large green with a false front and severe back to front slope, making club selection critical.
- Hole 7 – Par 5, 546 yards:
A risk-reward hole with a narrow fairway flanked by bunkers and a creek. The green is protected by water and two bunkers, challenging players aiming for birdie.
- Hole 8 – Par 4, 346 yards:
A drivable par 4 for the bold, but players must navigate fairway bunkers and a shallow green with five distinct sections.
- Hole 9 – Par 4, 530 yards:
A slight dogleg-left favoring a right to left tee shot. The green is squeezed by bunkers and features subtle breaks, making par a solid score here.
Back Nine
- Hole 10 – Par 5, 592 yards:
The longest hole on the course, favoring a right to left tee shot. The green is hemmed in by bunkers, and the back half slopes away, complicating approach shots.
- Hole 11 – Par 4, 462 yards:
A dogleg-left with deep bunkers and a raised green featuring a false front and a ridge down the middle, demanding precision on both shots.
- Hole 12 – Par 4, 456 yards:
A narrow fairway lined with trees leads to a green divided into front and back sections by a large ridge, making pin placement crucial.
- Hole 13 – Par 3, 205 yards:
A long par 3 requiring a tee shot that carries the severe false front to a green that pitches dramatically from back to front.
- Hole 14 – Par 4, 344 yards:
A short par 4 with a narrow fairway and a green protected by bunkers, offering a scoring opportunity for those who can manage the risks.
- Hole 15 – Par 4, 494 yards:
A challenging hole with a narrow fairway and a green guarded by bunkers, requiring accuracy off the tee and on approach.
- Hole 16 – Par 4, 529 yards:
The start of the infamous “Green Mile,” this hole features a dogleg-right with water hazards and a large green, demanding precise shot-making.
- Hole 17 – Par 3, 223 yards:
A long par 3 over water to a narrow green, where club selection and wind conditions play a significant role.
- Hole 18 – Par 4, 494 yards:
A daunting finishing hole with a narrow fairway and a green protected by bunkers and water, where tournaments can be won or lost.

Weather Conditions: What Players Will Face
The weather forecast for the tournament week is generally favorable, with some potential challenges.
- Thursday: Partly sunny skies with a high of 83°F and noticeable humidity.
- Friday: Hotter temperatures reaching 88°F, with overcast skies and a chance of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.
- Saturday: The greatest risk for weather disruptions, with potential thunderstorms, high humidity, and increased wind.
- Sunday: Improved conditions with sunny skies, mild winds, and lower humidity, offering a pleasant finish to the tournament.
Players will need to adapt to changing conditions, particularly on Saturday, where weather could impact play and strategy.

Players to Watch
The field is stacked with talent, but the following players definitely standout:
- Rory McIlroy: Fresh off completing the career grand slam, McIlroy enters Quail Hollow, a course where he has won four times, with confidence and a relaxed outlook.
- Joaquin Niemann: In good form after winning a LIV Golf event, he could be a sleeper pick to watch.
- Tommy Fleetwood: Consistently performing well on U.S. soil and hungry for a breakthrough win.
- Patrick Cantlay: With strong performances and no missed cuts this season, he’s seeking his first major.
These players, among others, will be navigating the challenges of Quail Hollow in pursuit of the Wanamaker Trophy.
Quail Hollow isn’t just hosting the 2025 PGA Championship, it’s shaping it. From the opening tee shot to the final putt on 18, this course demands precision, patience, and nerves of steel. It has a way of exposing weaknesses and rewarding brilliance, making every round a true test of championship golf.
So, keep this course guide from the GolfersTee close and enjoy the ride. Because at Quail Hollow, every hole has a story and this week, you’re watching it unfold in real time.