Scheffler outclasses field at Quail Hollow to win US PGA by five strokes and cement major legacy.
Scottie Scheffler once again turned Sunday into a personal exhibition of calm dominance, capturing his third major title—and first outside Augusta—by dismantling the field at the US PGA Championship. With a five-shot cushion by the final hole and no credible challenger in sight, the world number one made the extraordinary look routine, sealing a wire-to-wire win at 12 under par in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Texan’s third major triumph comes just a year after his chaotic arrest outside Valhalla marred his previous US PGA campaign. But this time, the only thing Scheffler held under lock was the trophy, collecting $3.4 million and yet more breathing room atop the world rankings. His 71 on Sunday was far from flashy but perfectly composed, a performance that turned potential drama into a slow-burning rout.
Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau, and Davis Riley shared second place, but none ever looked likely to dethrone Scheffler. By the fifth hole, his three-shot overnight lead had stretched to five. Only Jon Rahm made a serious push, briefly drawing level at the 11th after a flurry of birdies and a cold spell from Scheffler. For a moment, it looked like LIV’s biggest name might prove he still had major credentials.
But pressure reveals everything. As Rahm flailed in the final stretch—dropping shots at the 16th and 17th before dunking his tee shot into water on 18—Scheffler stayed ice-cool. Birdies at 10 and 14 saw him reassert his grip. Even when he strayed into a fairway bunker on 16, the victory never looked in doubt. Rahm’s closing 73 left him seven shots back, tied for eighth and brimming with frustration.
Scheffler, meanwhile, just kept doing what he does: making excellence look easy. Since 2022, he has racked up 15 wins, each delivered with the same quiet, surgical brilliance. The Byron Nelson win earlier this month had already ended what was being jokingly called a “drought.” This week, he confirmed what many suspected—he is playing at a level beyond his peers.
DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, was undone by sloppy wedge play, despite a closing 70. “I’m disappointed,” he admitted. “Scottie is just incredible. I’ve got to find a way to reach his level.” English’s electric back nine saw him surge into a tie for second with a 65 and made a strong case for a Ryder Cup spot this autumn.
Sergio García’s 69 was solid but insufficient. The veteran Spaniard was brutally honest about his form: “Even if Luke [Donald] gave me a pick now, I’d say no. I need to improve, simple as that.” His LIV colleague Rahm may have lost his composure late on, but for a spell he had made the tournament compelling.
Rory McIlroy, fresh off his emotional Masters win, faded with a 72 and a three-over-par finish. The expected Quail Hollow magic never materialised for the Northern Irishman.
Critics of the PGA’s decision to host at Quail Hollow cited its routine appearance on the tour schedule, arguing it lacked the prestige of a typical major venue. Yet Scheffler cared little for the aesthetics. The layout may not have thrilled, but the result—his third major and perhaps most defining yet—sent another message to the golfing world.
This wasn’t just another win. It was dominance in high definition. Scheffler didn’t just outplay his rivals; he outlasted, out-thought and outclassed them. The Green Mile closed in on others, but Scheffler walked through it unscathed—and victorious.
