Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, speaks during a news conference at the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt York)
CHARLOTTE, NC – Masters champion Rory McIlroy and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be playing together in the opening two rounds of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, joined by defending champion Xander Schauffele in another group of the top three players in the world.
It’s the first time since 2022 the PGA Championship has grouped together Nos. 1-2-3 in the world ranking for the start of the tournament.
It first was done at the U.S. Open in 2008 when Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott were grouped at Torrey Pines.
“I’m playing with two guys that are playing some of the best golf in the world,” Scheffler said. “Xander won two majors last year, and Rory already won The Players and the Masters this year, so he’s playing some fantastic golf. Yeah, it should be a lot of fun.
“I’ve seen that pairing before, and we have a good time out there, and it’s competitive.”
The power group of Scheffler, McIlroy and Schauffele start on the 10th hole Thursday at 8:22 a.m., and on the first hole at 1:47 p.m. Friday.
McIlroy has everything he dreamed of doing when he first fell in love with golf. He reached No. 1 in the world and when he finally captured the Masters last month, he had his place in history with the career Grand Slam.
Setting his next target might be the toughest challenge.
“I’m still going to set myself goals. I’m still going to try to achieve certain things. But I sit here knowing that very well could be the highlight of my career,” McIlroy said. “That’s a very cool thing. I want to still create a lot of other highlights and high points, but I’m not sure if any other win will live up to what happened a few weeks ago.”
