Photo Credit: Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images

Another major is in the books, and even though the ending felt a little anticlimactic, it was still a big week. Going into it, it looked like we were set for a showdown between some of the best players in the world. Scottie Scheffler had just won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Rory finally got the monkey off his back with a win at Augusta, and Bryson was coming in hot off a LIV win and a second-place finish. The PGA Championship had plenty of storylines.

The PGA might not be at the top of most people’s list regarding the majors, but it’s still a special one. What makes it different is that we see club pros out there competing with the best in the world. These are the guys who run golf on a day-to-day level, and this is their shot at the big stage. They go through their qualifying, and the top twenty get to tee it up in a major. It’s how we got the Michael Block moment in 2023, and it’s part of what makes this event feel a little more real and connected to the rest of the golf world.

This year’s setup at Quail Hollow showed how tough it could be. The course played 7,600 yards of rolling hills, deep rough, and firm, fast greens, and early weather made it even harder. Most guys know this course since it’s been a regular PGA Tour stop for over twenty years, and it’s hosted big events like the 2017 PGA and the 2022 Presidents Cup. It’s also where guys like Rory, Homa, Wyndham Clark, and even Anthony Kim got their first big wins. So there was a chance we’d see someone new break through.

The first round made it clear the course wouldn’t give anything away. A bunch of top players struggled right away, which let some other names jump ahead. There was some noise about illegal equipment and backup clubs, but that kind of stuff happens on tour more than people realize. In the end, it was all about hitting fairways and greens. JT Poston, Luke Donald, Aaron Rai, and a few others went low, but Jhonattan Vegas stole the show with a 64.

In round two, the course firmed up and conditions got better. More roll, cleaner lies, and nearly thirty guys shot under 70. Si Woo Kim and Max Homa both dropped 64s and climbed up the board. But the big names weren’t going anywhere either. Scheffler and Bryson were right there, setting up for what looked like a wild weekend.

Heading into Saturday, guys like Rahm, Fitzpatrick, Adam Scott, and Keegan Bradley were still in the hunt. For a bit, it looked like we might get the heavyweight showdown we were all hoping for. The leaderboard was bouncing around like crazy, especially once players hit the Green Mile on the back nine. At one point, Scheffler, Bryson, and Rahm were all tied. But then Scottie did what he does. He finished five under through his last five holes, including the tough closing stretch, and walked off with a three-shot lead heading into Sunday.

The final round could’ve gone a few different ways. The most boring one? Scottie just runs away with it. And honestly, that’s kind of what happened. There was a little bit of heat on the back nine—Rahm, Bryson, and a couple others made a push—but Scheffler stayed solid. Three birdies on the back gave him plenty of cushion. He strolled up 18 with the win all but locked up and finished with a five-shot victory. That ties him for the fourth-biggest win in PGA Championship history.

So, when do we start talking about where Scottie Scheffler ranks all-time? That was his third major. If he keeps playing like this, he could complete the career Grand Slam by the end of the year. He didn’t even look sharp early in the week, but as usual, it didn’t take him long to flip the switch. He’s setting the bar crazy high right now. We haven’t seen this kind of consistent dominance since Tiger in the 2000s. And with two more majors, the FedEx Cup, and a Ryder Cup still on the calendar, we’re in for a fun rest of the year.