CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — On a thrilling Sunday during the PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow Club, Scottie Scheffler showcased his resilience and skill, ultimately securing a five-shot victory to capture his third major title. Scheffler, the current No. 1 player in golf, faced pressure but executed flawlessly on the back nine, allowing him to walk confidently to the 18th green, cementing his status at the top of the game.
As the final round unfolded, Scheffler encountered a tense moment on the front nine, where what began as a commanding four- or five-shot lead evaporated when he found himself tied for the lead at one point. Reflecting on the experience, he stated, “This back nine will be one that I remember for a long time. It was a grind out there.” His ability to withstand the pressure was evident, and despite finishing with a bogey, he closed with an even-par 71, bringing his total to 11-under 273.
Scheffler’s performance made him the first golfer since Seve Ballesteros to win his first three majors by three shots or more. His victory at the PGA Championship added to an impressive list of achievements, including two previous major wins — both at the Masters in 2022 and 2023. He emphasized the importance of hitting critical shots well under pressure, which ultimately helped him clinch the title.
In contrast to Scheffler's commanding finish, Jon Rahm and other competitors struggled to keep pace. Rahm's day began with promise as he attempted to reduce a five-shot deficit. However, a shaky performance landed him seven shots behind Scheffler by the end of the round, resulting in a score of 73 and a tie for eighth place. Rahm expressed his frustrations, particularly about his finishing holes, but noted, “There’s a lot more positive than negative to think about this week.” He remains hopeful about competing in the upcoming U.S. Open.
Bryson DeChambeau also made an impact, momentarily climbing within two shots of the lead before ultimately falling short after bogeying the 18th. He finished with a score of 70, tying for second with Harris English, who shot a stellar 65, and Davis Riley, who recovered from a triple bogey early in the round to finish strong with a bogey-free back nine.
As the top contenders jockeyed for position, Scottie Scheffler remained steadfast. Despite hitting only two fairways on the front nine and struggling initially, he managed to regain control and built a lead that no one could match by the close of play. The championship was not just a display of skill, but also a testament to Scheffler’s mental strength, which has defined his career thus far.
While the drama of this championship might not have reached the heights of recent tournaments, it underscored Scheffler’s dominance in the sport. With his recent triumph marking his 15th victory in just six years on the PGA Tour, he is now recognized as the third-fastest player to reach 15 wins, trailing only behind legends Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
The 2025 PGA Championship served as a significant milestone in Scheffler's career, amidst the backdrop of McIlroy’s recent career Grand Slam achievement and the relentless competition that characterizes professional golf today. Rahm, DeChambeau, and others will likely use their experiences in this tournament as a stepping stone in the coming events, keeping the competitive spirit alive as they gear up for future championships.
