Let’s talk about the elephant on the fairway: the PGA Championship is happening this week at Quail Hollow Club, and if you’re a player/fan like me, you’re probably watching in awe, a little jealous, and maybe even dreaming about walking those same perfectly manicured fairways someday.

The energy right now is electric. The setup at Quail Hollow is no joke—it’s built to test the mettle of the world’s best. I’ve been glued to the coverage, and let me tell you, this course is showing its teeth. But there’s more to this place than just this week’s drama. Quail Hollow Club is a true gem of the golfing world, and if you’re into golf in any way—casual hacker or Sunday diehard—you ought to know why this course has become legendary.

The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow

There’s something poetic about the PGA Championship returning to Quail Hollow Club. Last time it hosted the major in 2017, Justin Thomas clinched his first major title here, announcing his arrival in a big way. Fast forward to today, and the course has only gotten tougher—and more beautiful.

The fairways are fast, the greens are pure, and that closing stretch known as “The Green Mile” (holes 16–18) is wreaking havoc once again. If you’ve ever tried to close out a round on a tricky finishing hole, imagine doing it with millions watching—and that’s just hole 16.

You’ll hear players rave about the atmosphere. The Charlotte crowd shows up. Loud. Passionate. Southern charm mixed with high-stakes pressure—it’s golf drama at its best.

A Storied Course with a Rich Legacy

Now, Quail Hollow Club isn’t just a one-hit wonder. This place has pedigree. It was founded in 1959 and originally designed by George Cobb, with major updates by Tom Fazio in 1997 and again in 2016 to get it championship-ready.

But let’s talk people for a second. Quail Hollow Club’s member list is just as elite as its course.

Legendary Members and the Club’s Inner Circle

Michael Jordan—yep, the GOAT himself—is a member here. He’s known to make appearances and has been spotted playing rounds with other heavy-hitters like Rory McIlroy. McIlroy doesn’t just play here; he wins here. He’s taken the Wells Fargo Championship title three times at this venue. They did it in Philly this year- because the PGA was just a couple weeks later at the regular site.

Other members include high-profile CEOs, athletes, and even some political powerhouses. It’s exclusive, but not snobbish—it’s a golf-first club with serious pedigree.

Course Design and Standout Holes

The course is a masterpiece. Fazio’s redesign really emphasized shot-making and added teeth to the Green Mile stretch. Hole 16 is a long par 4 with water looming down the left. Hole 17 is a nerve-wracking par 3 over water, and 18 is a brutal uphill dogleg that has decided many tournaments.

If you’re thinking Augusta is the only course that makes players sweat on the back nine, think again. Quail Hollow’s closing stretch is like trying to land a birdie while wrestling a gator.

A Hub for High-Stakes Golf: Major Tournaments at Quail Hollow

Besides hosting this week’s PGA Championship, Quail Hollow Club has become a regular stop on the PGA Tour. Most notably, it’s home to the Wells Fargo Championship, one of the more prestigious non-major tournaments.

But that’s not all. In 2022, the club hosted the Presidents Cup, where the U.S. team led by captain Davis Love III triumphed over the International squad. It was a massive event, bringing in crowds from around the world.

Championship Recap: Who Took Home the Trophies

Let’s name names—because Quail Hollow doesn’t hand out trophies to just anyone.

• Rory McIlroy: Winner of the Wells Fargo Championship in 2010, 2015, and 2021.
• Justin Thomas: Won the 2017 PGA Championship here.
• Jason Day: Took the 2018 Wells Fargo Championship title.
• Rickie Fowler: Nearly won here several times and made his name as a fan favorite with some clutch shots.

That kind of leaderboard tells you everything you need to know about the caliber of play this course demands.

Can You Play at Quail Hollow? Here’s the Scoop

Let’s get real. It’s a private club, which means no public tee times and no easy online booking system. But it’s not totally out of reach.

How to Get In

Here are a few ways regular folks like us can find ourselves teeing it up at Quail Hollow Club:

1. Be Invited by a Member – This is your golden ticket. If you know someone, now’s the time to remind them what a charming golfing buddy you are.
2. Corporate or Charity Events – Sometimes local companies or charities rent out the course for a day. Get involved, donate, or volunteer—you might snag a spot.
3. Media or Industry Credentials – Are you a golf journalist or connected to golf media? Quail Hollow hosts media days and previews ahead of big events.
4. Sponsorship or Vendor Opportunities – If you work with a sponsor of the PGA Tour or the club itself, there might be a way in through your professional network.

Tips If You Ever Get the Chance to Play

If you ever get the call, here’s my advice: bring your best game and a ton of humility. The course is immaculate, the greens are fast, and the vibe is all about respecting the game. Don’t show up in cargo shorts. Be gracious. And soak in every second—you might only get one round in your life at Quail Hollow, so make it count.

Also, pace yourself. The Green Mile can wreck your scorecard and your mood if you’re not careful. Focus, hydrate, and bring a camera—because you’ll want to remember every hole.

What Makes Quail Hollow Club So Special?

For me, it’s the blend of championship-level competition and quiet Southern tradition- er, CHARM. It doesn’t have the centuries-old roots of St. Andrews, but it doesn’t need them. Quail Hollow has carved out its place in golf history by hosting titanic moments and welcoming legends to its grounds.

There’s a feeling you get when you watch a player step up to that 18th tee with the tournament on the line. You can almost hear the hush in the gallery, the nervous energy, and the collective inhale. That’s Quail Hollow—a golf course that demands your best and makes you want to be better.

FAQs

1. Is Quail Hollow Club open to the public?
No, it’s a private club. You need to be invited by a member or attend a special event to play there.

2. Who are some famous members of Quail Hollow Club?
Michael Jordan and Rory McIlroy are among the most well-known members. The club also includes several high-profile business leaders.

3. What are the most famous tournaments held at Quail Hollow?
Quail Hollow has hosted the PGA Championship (2017, 2025), the Wells Fargo Championship annually, and the Presidents Cup in 2022.

4. What is “The Green Mile”?
It’s the name for the final three holes at Quail Hollow—16, 17, and 18—known for being brutally difficult and often decisive in tournaments.