Will it be Rory or Scottie at the PGA Championship?

Each week, we ask our panel of writers, PGA members and golf industry experts to weigh in with their views on the hot topics of the day.

Scottie Scheffler lapped the field last week, winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson by eight shots with a record 31-under score. While he’s been in the mix so far in 2025, he isn’t remotely close to the torrid pace he set in 2024 when he won seven times. What’s your projection for Scheffler in terms of wins this year?

Jim Deeks, Fairways Magazine (@jimdeeks): Well, first of all, I congratulate Scottie on a breathtaking performance — 31 under par is, frankly, obscene and makes somewhat of a mockery of the concept of par, but he did it and I can only praise him for his talent.  I think he’ll win at least three more events this year, including a major (see below).

Craig Loughry, Golf Ontario (@craigloughry): l think Scheff is just starting to cook. Feeling comfortable with home life, and more healed and reps after the injury. I’m not sure he can match his 2024 season, but he’ll keep that #1 position for the foreseeable future and be named Player of the Year.

Michael Schurman, Master Professional / Hall of Fame Member, PGA of Canada: We must remember that we just saw Jack followed by Tiger over the past 50 or 60 years. They were two of the best of all and a sure bet anytime they were in contention. Scheffler’s unusual footwork gives cause for concern, but he is # one. Nobody photographed his injury, so we don’t know the seriousness of it. Now that he is on track again, it’s ‘open’ road.

TJ Rule, Golf Away Tours (@GolfAwayTJ): He’s teased all year and finally got one across the line, so this will no doubt open the floodgates, and he’ll win multiple times, but let’s be honest.  It’s hard to dominate the Tour in this day and age, and it takes a certain amount of luck to win each week.  He won’t win seven times like he did last year, that was always a big ask.  But he’s still the best in the game, and we can expect him to win at least 1 major and likely 4 or 5 tournaments all told.

Hal Quinn, Freelance Writer, Vancouver: Suspect that, as with almost all exceptional Tour players, Scheffler is now settling into focussing on the only tourneys that count in the end, the Majors. He doesn’t have to win seven a year — those trophies destined for a boulevard sale in a generation or two — he just has to stay sharp for four events (plus The Players). Looks like he’s doing just that.

Peter Mumford, Fairways Magazine (@FairwaysMag): Not sure he can top his 2024 output but wouldn’t be surprised if he notches at least four including a major. He’s so steady, doesn’t really have any technical weaknesses and his focus is off-the-charts strong. Makes it tough to bet against him.

Last week, Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy were selected as Presidents Cup captains for 2026. What do you think of the selections?

Deeks: Fine.  Why not?  But I fear that the Presidents Cup is losing more and more relevance as the US continues to dominate.  Why not make it a co-ed event, and make it truly stand out from the Ryder Cup/Solheim shadow?  North American men and women (including worthy Canadian and Mexican players) vs. Rest of the World.  Is this not an idea whose time has come?

Loughry: I’m not sure what to make of these picks. Ogilvy is an interesting cat, so we’ll get some good quotes out of him. Sneds, seems like a real odd pick. For this event to be taken to the next level, they really need the superstars to Captain each team and put some energy into it. Sadly, this event is pretty bland and needs some life injected into it.

Schurman: Snedeker was picked because he is a nice guy. Ogilvy comes across a bit grumpy, but he won the US Open even though he backed into it. Both are a bit weak, particularly since the International Team is getting stronger.

Rule: I like these picks.  Both likeable guys and both deserving of the opportunity.  Ogilvy in particular is well liked among his peers and is one of the most interesting and intellectual guys in the professional golf world.  He also has intimate knowledge of the golf course, having worked on the architecture on the property over the years.  He’s a great pick and may lead his team to a long awaited second triumph in this very one-sided competition.

Quinn: My golly, they still playing this Ryder wannabe? Canvas any tap room in any club worldwide and try to find any golfer who knows it’s being played again, or cares who wins. Have always really enjoyed Ogilvy’s wit and wisdom on air and in print. Seems like a great guy. Here’s to the so-called non-Americans winning, just to hear his speech.

Mumford: Sneds is a puzzle. I suppose he’s put in some time as an assistant, so maybe it’s his turn, but this event needs some sizzle. A multiple major winner never afraid of a microphone would suffice. Oh yeah, Phil Mickelson is persona non grata at PGA Tour HQ. As for Ogilvy, he won a major and exudes credibility. I thought he might be the natural selection when the Cup goes to Kingston Heath in Australia in 2028 but maybe he does a back-to-back stint, especially if he wins.

The PGA Championship kicks off next week and four players heading to Quail Hollow should be considered favourites to take home the Wanamaker Trophy based on their recent records: three-time PGA Tour winner and Masters champion Rory McIlroy; three-time LIV Golf champion Joaquin Niemann; Scottie Sheffler, who has one victory and a pile of top 10’s; and Bryson DeChambeau who contended at the Masters and just won LIV Golf Korea. Who’s your pick to win the PGA Championship?

Deeks: Scheffler.  (Although DeChambeau will once again win the Attention Whore of the Week trophy.)

Loughry: Rory always plays Quail Hollow well, should be interesting now that the monkey is off his back so to speak. He’s my horse in this derby.

Schurman: This is a Cory Conner’s type of course. He and Nick Taylor are playing well, and either one suits me. I’d love to see Rory with the 2nd leg of the Grand Slam.

Rule: It’s hard not to pick Scottie as he heats up heading into the summer months, but I’m going to say Rory continues his hot play and stokes conversations of a Grand Slam year by picking up his second major of the year.  It would be great to see Spieth in the mix too to add chatter about his career Grand Slam.  I don’t normally get excited about the PGA as much as the other majors but with so many great players on their game, it should be fun to watch.

Quinn: Hard to pick against Scheffler as the Nelson was really just a warmup. And, like Rory, unlike the LIVers he’s been playing real golf in real tourneys. No matter that’s it’s being played at the wrong time of year, in the wrong Majors sequence, the Wanamaker has a lot of “really?” names on it. Pick your hunches, I’ll take the field.

Mumford: This is a three-horse race, sorry Joaquin. As noted above, it’s tough to bet against Scheffler, particularly after he’s rounded into form. However, this is Rory’s course, and he too is in top form. As for BDC, he has something to prove after Augusta and is coming off a big win in Korea. All three tightly bunched down the home stretch but I think it will be McIlroy by a nose at the wire. (Note: my record on these things is abysmal.)