Player quotes re Quail Hollow, PGA Championship host.

With play about to get under way this morning here are some thoughts from players about the test before them this week, Quail Hollow..

Viktor Hovland   "This week is a big driving week. The course is so long. Fairways are wet. You're going to have to drive it long and straight, and driving is usually the best part of my game. But recently, it's been tough for me."

Ludvig Åberg   "It's a really nice golf course. It requires a lot of good shots.

I've heard the term "big boy golf course" which describes this one very well, and some really long holes now. The fairways are still wet. You're not getting any roll off the tee and greens are firming up with the SubAir.

"It will be a good challenge, it will be long and the greens would be, I would imagine, getting a little firmer. It will be nice.

"I've had a couple of weeks where things are clicking a little bit more, which has been very nice, and it's been nice to spend had time here with my coach, Hans (Larssen). Last time I saw him was Augusta. I feel like we're moving which is always a positive."

Rory McIlroy  If there was anywhere you would back McIlroy to create another high point it would be this week’s venue of Quail Hollow Club, where he clinched his first PGA TOUR title 15 years ago, has won three times since and holds the course record of 61.

He also arrives in a rainy Charlotte with three PGA TOUR wins so far in a 2025 that will see him play an Open Championship on home soil at Royal Portrush and help Europe try to keep hold of the Ryder Cup in New York.

“It’s always nice to come back to Quail Hollow, for obvious reasons,” he said. “I have obviously great memories from this place. First win on the PGA TOUR 15 years ago. Winning last year, I probably played my best golf of the year last year here, especially at the weekend.

“I thought it was going to feel different just because it was a Major Championship and I got out on the golf course yesterday and it felt no different than last year at the Wells Fargo.

“The rough is maybe a little juicier. But fairways are still the same cut lines and same visuals. It doesn't feel that much different.

“I played the front nine yesterday. I'll play the back nine today. Yeah, it's not as if I don't know this place. I think it's a matter of just making sure that every part of the game feels in a good spot.

“Because we all know this golf course so well, it's not as if you're going to glean anything new from a strategy perspective. It's just a matter of stepping up and hitting the golf shots when the gun goes on Thursday."

He added: “It's been an amazing 2025. There's been a lot of great golf played but there's still a lot of golf left to play this year. I'm excited for the journey ahead. Looking forward to this week.

“Hopefully the weather clears up a little bit and the course can dry out a bit. Excited to tee it up in another PGA Championship and give myself another opportunity.”

europeantour.com

Bryan Angus (edit)