First Two Days Look Ideal Before Saturday Brings Potential Challenges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While Monday’s practice round at Quail Hollow suffered from a complete washout, the outlook for the actual tournament days of the 2025 PGA Championship appears considerably more promising.

Weather experts are predicting near-perfect conditions for the opening rounds before some potential weather-related drama unfolds on Saturday. Here’s the complete breakdown of what players and spectators can expect at the year’s second major championship.

Thursday-Friday: Ideal Scoring Conditions

The championship begins under favorable conditions, with Thursday featuring dry weather and light morning winds before picking up slightly to 5-10 mph in the afternoon with occasional gusts around 15 mph. These consistent conditions should continue Friday with another solid day offering just a low chance of stray showers and steady winds between 5-10 mph throughout the day.

The similar forecasts for both days mean neither the morning nor afternoon wave should gain a significant advantage through the first 36 holes, creating a level playing field as the cut line is established.

Saturday: Potential Weather Drama

The weekend brings a shift in the forecast, with Saturday looking considerably more challenging. Scattered showers and thunderstorms appear possible during the third round, with winds intensifying to around 10-15 mph. This combination could dramatically affect scoring and potentially create some separation on the leaderboard as players navigate Quail Hollow’s demanding layout in compromised conditions.

Weather-savvy players who can adjust their strategy and ball flight to the changing conditions may find an edge during Saturday’s crucial moving day.

Sunday: Improving for the Finale

Championship Sunday brings better news with lower rain chances and lighter winds forecast for the final round. This improving weather pattern could set the stage for an exciting finish with more aggressive play possible as the Wanamaker Trophy is decided.

“While we do have at least one day which looks ‘weather-ish,’ I don’t think we have a clear path here to find a weather advantage,” noted meteorologist Kevin Roth. “Both Thursday and Friday look great for golf, so I don’t think AM/PM waves will have much of an impact through the first two days of the tournament.”

After Monday’s complete spectator lockout due to heavy rain, tournament officials are breathing easier with the improved forecast. Fans with Monday practice round tickets have been accommodated with the option to attend either Tuesday or Wednesday instead.

Players are likely to find a softened Quail Hollow early in the week before conditions gradually firm up, potentially making the course play longer than its already substantial 7,538 yards. The PGA of America will continue monitoring conditions to determine how they’ll set up the course each day based on the evolving forecast.