The 16th hole at Quail Hollow Club at the 2025 PGA Championship proved to be a particularly challenging test for the top-ranked golfers. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, who are ranked one, two, and three in the Official World Golf Ranking, respectively, all suffered a double bogey on the par-4 hole during their opening rounds. This marked a notable setback for the three top-ranked players, as they faced difficult lies and treacherous terrain during their rounds. The 16th hole, known for its water hazards and rough, presented a considerable challenge to all golfers. The difficulties extended beyond these top players, as others such as Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka also faced challenges. In contrast, Ryan Gerard and Cam Davis performed exceptionally well, leading the field with strong rounds. The impact of this hole on the tournament’s early stages was significant, setting the tone for the rest of the competition.
McIlroy’s struggle with the hole was particularly highlighted when his tee shot landed to the left, in proximity to water, and the rough caught his ball, making it difficult to advance. An awkward lie prevented him from moving the ball more than 20 yards into the fairway. His approach shot missed the green, making it difficult to get close for a bogey. Despite the challenge, he was still able to make a 12-foot putt, but the missed opportunity resulted in a double bogey. This setback came just days after he had won the Masters, showing how unpredictable golf can be despite strong performances.
Scheffler and Schauffele had better luck off the tee but both struggled to find the green in regulation. The presence of water around the hole complicated their approach shots, resulting in balls landing in the penalty area. This made it difficult to recover and get the ball close to the hole. Scheffler managed to card a bogey with a seven-footer, while Schauffele two-putted from about 34 feet. Despite these challenges, Scheffler’s performance was better than the other two, finishing his opening round tied for 19th at 2-under. Schauffele walked into the clubhouse at 1-over after 18 holes, while McIlroy, winner of the Masters in April, was 3-over after shooting a 74.
Following his round, Scheffler expressed frustration with the