Is the PGA Championship a major and how does it differ to golf’s other top events?

The PGA Championship is coming up this week, and it is one of golf’s most prestigious events. Last year, Xander Schauffele claimed victory, and despite not being in the best form, he will hope to defend his title at Quail Hollow. This was Schauffele’s biggest win of his careerGetty The American will have some tough competition, though, with all of golf’s biggest stars competing for what is considered to be one of the best events around. Is the PGA Championship a major? Yes, it is. The PGA Championship is one of the four golf majors that can be won annually. The PGA Championship was created in 1916 and has always been considered one of big four alongside the Masters, US Open and The Open. The concept of it being a major wasn’t around until the 1960s, but it has always been a tournament that players set out to win. It has changed position in the calendar, though. Up until 2019 when the calendar was reorganised and bar a couple of changes during COVID, it has been the second major of the year. Before that, it was always the last one. McIlroy will want to follow from his long-awaited Masters victory by achieving glory hereGetty How does the PGA Championship differ from the other majors? The main difference is that no amateurs compete in it unlike the other three majors. This event focuses on club professionals and amateurs aren’t invited. There are 20 places reserved for club professionals who aren’t on the tour, and they are selected by the PGA via qualifying tournaments. It also rotates venue every year unlike The Masters, which remains in Augusta National. The only thing that is guaranteed about the PGA Championship is that it will be held in the United States. This keeps the tournament fresh and exciting, with certain venues favouring different players. The other major difference comes in the event of a tie at the top for the win. Rather than a one-hole play-off, it is a three-hole play-off using 13, 17 and 18, with the lowest score winning. If it’s still tied, the players repeat until there is a final decider on hole 18. The Wanamaker Trophy is extremely impressiveGetty PGA Championship 2025: Date and how to follow The 2025 PGA Championship will start on Thursday, May 15 and run until Sunday, May 18. It will take place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The action is set to get underway at 1pm UK time but exact timings will follow. talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of all the action. To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK too.

May 12, 2025 - 15:37

Is the PGA Championship a major and how does it differ to golf’s other top events?

The PGA Championship is coming up this week, and it is one of golf’s most prestigious events.

Last year, Xander Schauffele claimed victory, and despite not being in the best form, he will hope to defend his title at Quail Hollow.

This was Schauffele’s biggest win of his career

The American will have some tough competition, though, with all of golf’s biggest stars competing for what is considered to be one of the best events around.

Is the PGA Championship a major?

Yes, it is. The PGA Championship is one of the four golf majors that can be won annually.

The PGA Championship was created in 1916 and has always been considered one of big four alongside the Masters, US Open and The Open.

The concept of it being a major wasn’t around until the 1960s, but it has always been a tournament that players set out to win.

It has changed position in the calendar, though.

Up until 2019 when the calendar was reorganised and bar a couple of changes during COVID, it has been the second major of the year.

Before that, it was always the last one.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Masters trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) — McIlroy will want to follow from his long-awaited Masters victory by achieving glory here

How does the PGA Championship differ from the other majors?

The main difference is that no amateurs compete in it unlike the other three majors.

This event focuses on club professionals and amateurs aren’t invited.

There are 20 places reserved for club professionals who aren’t on the tour, and they are selected by the PGA via qualifying tournaments.

It also rotates venue every year unlike The Masters, which remains in Augusta National.

The only thing that is guaranteed about the PGA Championship is that it will be held in the United States.

This keeps the tournament fresh and exciting, with certain venues favouring different players.

The other major difference comes in the event of a tie at the top for the win.

Rather than a one-hole play-off, it is a three-hole play-off using 13, 17 and 18, with the lowest score winning.

If it’s still tied, the players repeat until there is a final decider on hole 18.

The Wanamaker Trophy is extremely impressive

PGA Championship 2025: Date and how to follow

The 2025 PGA Championship will start on Thursday, May 15 and run until Sunday, May 18.

It will take place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The action is set to get underway at 1pm UK time but exact timings will follow.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of all the action.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK too.