Quail Hollow has long been a stern test, even for the GOAT himself. Despite Tiger Woods’s legendary career, he’s claimed victory at this challenging venue just once in 2007, a testament to its demanding nature. At the 2025 PGA Championship, the course’s punishing conditions quickly reminded everyone why precision and patience are essential. As Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and other top golfers struggled through a challenging opening round, Tiger Woods broke his silence with timely advice that resonated across the course.

Taking to X, Woods posted: “If you’re playing Quail Hollow at home, remember precision off the tee, don’t get greedy, and set yourself up for those difficult greens. Good luck!” Though not competing this week, the 15-time major champion’s words carried weight, underscoring the fine line between aggression and strategy on one of golf’s toughest venues.

McIlroy, a four-time Quail Hollow winner, battled to a 74 (+3), hindered by costly mistakes, including a double bogey on the 16th. Similarly, Justin Thomas, who won here in 2017, endured a wild round marked by five bogeys and a double bogey, finishing with a 73 (+2). Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa seemed poised for a strong showing until a shocking miscue on the 18th hole—a risky shot into the water—dashed his momentum, turning what could have been an under-par round into a double bogey finish.

Other contenders like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele also found the conditions taxing—particularly due to the controversial decision not to allow preferred lies despite the rain-softened fairways. “You spend your whole life trying to learn how to control a golf ball,” Scheffler said, “and due to a rules decision all of a sudden you have absolutely no control over where that golf ball goes. But I don’t make the rules. I just have to deal with the consequences of those rules.” Xander Schauffele, who played alongside Scheffler, echoed the frustration. “The mud balls are going to get worse,” warned the defending champion, highlighting how they tend to settle into that perfect ‘cake zone’—where the ground is soft underneath, causing mud to cling to the ball during play. He suggested maybe trying to hit shots lower off the tee to avoid the buildup, but that comes with its own problem: the ball doesn’t carry or roll as far, meaning you sacrifice distance. It’s really a bit of a gamble either way.

As the championship progresses, Woods’s advice remains a crucial blueprint. The top contenders must balance ambition with caution, keeping Tiger’s words in mind to navigate Quail Hollow’s challenges and stay in contention for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. But just as players try to find that balance, another familiar issue has resurfaced to disrupt the rhythm of the tournament, and this time, it’s not just about wayward shots or muddy lies.

Another headache at Quail Hollow: Slow play warnings hit Thomas and Morikawa

Slow play is nothing new in professional golf, but few expected Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa to be at the center of the conversation during the second round of the 2025 PGA Championship. Both players received a slow-play warning on Friday, a move that raised eyebrows across Quail Hollow, especially considering the ongoing criticism aimed at Patrick Cantlay, whose measured pace has made him a frequent target for fan frustration. Earlier in the week, Cantlay drew fresh ridicule following a bizarre delay caused by turtles wandering into a bunker, leading to a flurry of online jokes linking him to the slow-moving reptiles.

In contrast, Thomas and Morikawa have both previously called for better transparency around pace-of-play enforcement. Thomas even acknowledged his own tempo earlier this season, saying, “I’m on the slow side of players. I want to know why I’m slow.” Morikawa added, “If you’re slow, you know you’re slow. If you don’t know, then there’s an issue.”

While their comments may have shown self-awareness, neither expected to be penalized on such a big stage. Their warning, paired with volatile performances, only amplified the spotlight. In a championship already challenged by soggy conditions and unpredictable play, the pace-of-play narrative took an unexpected — and ironic — turn.