🗓🏌🏽♂️May 2025: the Must-See Competitions on the PGA Tour🏆
- clairebambino
- Apr 23
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Last update: May 12, 2025
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️ THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson – May 1-4, 2025 – TPC Craig Ranch McKinney, Texas • USA
This prestigious golf tournament on the PGA Tour is named after the legendary American golfer Byron Nelson, who set a record for 11 consecutive PGA Tour victories in 1945 - a feat that still stands as an unmatched milestone in golf history. Born in 1912, in Waxahachie, Texas, Nelson's career was marked by a unique blend of skill, grace, and sportsmanship. He died in 2006 in Texas.
The tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1944 when it was first known as the Texas Open. Over the years, it has been held at various courses in the area, including the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas and the TPC Craig Ranch.
In 2024, CJ Group - a South Korea-based holding group with a presence in food, retail, logistics, media and biotechnology - became the title sponsor, rebranding the event as The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. This partnership brought a fresh perspective and global recognition to the tournament. The tournament also has a strong commitment to giving back to the community. It supports various charitable causes, including those related to children's health and education.
🏆 Taylor Pendrith emerged victorious at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, securing his first PGA Tour title. After a thrilling final round, the Canadian golfer outlasted a strong field, including Jordan Spieth, to claim the coveted trophy. Pendrith's win marked a significant milestone in his career and showcased his exceptional talent on the golf course. 🔎 Mitchell Theoret is Taylor Pendrith's caddie. Before devoting himself to golf, Theoret was a professional hockey player. He was even drafted by the New York Islanders in the NHL. This transition from hockey to golf is a rather unique story in the world of sport. 🧐 To find out more about the caddies of the most famous players, read our article 'The Masters Behind the Masters: Get to Know the Caddies of some of the World's Best Golf Players'.
💰 Purse: $9,900,000
💯 FedExCup: 500 pts
Previous winner: 🇨🇦 Taylor Pendrith ($1,710,000)
🏆 Winner 2025: 🇺🇸 Scottie Scheffler ($1,782,000) - Age: 28 - Turned Pro in 2018.
Scottie Scheffler captured the title, showcasing a dominant performance that left the competition trailing. Playing in his hometown event, a tournament he cherished growing up and where he made his PGA Tour debut as a high school senior, Scheffler displayed exceptional consistency and skill across all four rounds. His final score of 31 under par not only secured an eight-shot victory over his nearest competitor, Erik van Rooyen, but also matched the PGA Tour's 72-hole scoring record. This win marked his first of the 2025 season, a significant milestone for the world number one and reigning Player of the Year, especially after missing the event the previous year for the birth of his son. The victory was made even more special by the presence of his family, including his wife and their young son, Bennett, whom he held during the emotional winner's speech.
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️ Truist Championship – May 8-11, 2025 – The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course), Pennsylvania • USA
2024 marked the first year of the Truist Championship, a rebranding of the Wells Fargo Championship. Truist Financial Corporation is a leading financial services company.
Due to the PGA Championship being held at Quail Hollow in 2025, the 2025 Truist Championship will be played at the Philadelphia Cricket Club's Wissahickon Course.
🧐🌎Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the birthplace of American independence. The Declaration of Independence (1776) and the U.S. Constitution (1787) were both signed there.
The Philadelphia Cricket Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious private clubs in the United States. Founded in 1854, the club offers a wide range of recreational and social activities, including golf, tennis, swimming, and dining. The club has three distinct locations:
Wissahickon: situated in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, this location features a challenging golf course designed by renowned architect 📐 A.W. Tillinghast.
St. Martins: located in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, this historic clubhouse is known for its elegant architecture and rich history.
Militia Hill: this course in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, offers a more traditional layout and a challenging test for golfers of all levels.
🏆 Rory McIlroy won the 2024 Truist Championship. He secured his 4th title at Quail Hollow Club, dominating the field and finishing five strokes ahead of Xander Schauffele.
💰 Purse: $20,000,000
💯 FedExCup: 700 pts
Previous winner: NIR Rory Mcllroy ($3,600,000)
🏆 Winner 2025: 🇦🇹 Sepp Straka ($3,600,000) - Age: 32 - Turned Pro in 2016.
Sepp Straka emerged victorious at the Truist Championship 2025, securing his 2nd PGA Tour title of the season in a compelling final round at Philadelphia Cricket Club. The Austrian golfer displayed remarkable resilience and clutch putting throughout the tournament, culminating in a final round of 2-under 68. The victory wasn't without its drama, as Straka found himself in a tight battle with Shane Lowry down the stretch. However, Lowry faltered with bogeys on two of his final three holes, including a costly three-putt on the 18th green, ultimately handing Straka a two-shot victory. This win marks a significant milestone in Straka's career, propelling him into the top 10 of the world rankings and solidifying his place as a multiple winner on the PGA Tour this season, alongside Rory McIlroy. Notably, Straka credited his improved putting performance throughout the week as a key factor in his success, sinking crucial mid-range putts that proved to be the difference-maker in a hard-fought contest. The victory at the Truist Championship not only adds another trophy to Straka's cabinet but also provides him with significant momentum heading into the PGA Championship (May 15-18, 2025 - see hereunder).
💡 Did you know that... Sepp Straka was the first Austrian-born player to ever win on the PGA Tour. He achieved this milestone at the Honda Classic in 2022.
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️ ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic – May 8-11, 2025 – Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina • USA
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is a legendary golf course designed by the renowned golf course architect 📐 Robert Trent Jones Sr., it has been hailed as one of the finest courses on the East Coast. 🧐 To find out more about major golf architects read our article '📐The most famous Golf course architects and their greatest masterpieces ⛳️'.
🔎 Myrtle Beach is a golfer's paradise, boasting over 100 golf courses. 🦞 Fresh seafood is a staple of Myrtle Beach cuisine. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at numerous restaurants along the coast.
🏆 Chris Gotterup won the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic in 2024. He secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club. He secured a resounding six-stroke victory and finished the tournament at 22-under par, showcasing exceptional skill and consistency throughout the event.
💰 Purse: $4,000,000
💯 FedExCup: 300 pts
Previous winner: 🇺🇸 Chris Gotterup ($720,000)
🏆 Winner 2025: 🇳🇿 Ryan Fox ($720,000) - Age: 38 - Turned Pro in 2011.
Ryan Fox dramatically clinched victory at the inaugural ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic 2025 in a thrilling playoff at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. The New Zealander, who had carded a final round of 5-under 66 to reach a tournament total of 15-under 269, found himself in a sudden-death battle against both Mackenzie Hughes and Harry Higgs. After both Hughes and Higgs missed their birdie opportunities on the first playoff hole (the par-4 18th), Fox stepped up from just outside 50 feet off the green and chipped in for a remarkable birdie, securing his first-ever PGA TOUR victory in his 68th start. The win was a momentous occasion for the 38-year-old, who had previously enjoyed success on the DP World Tour, including a flagship BMW PGA Championship title. This breakthrough PGA TOUR win not only earned him a significant $720,000 prize and 300 FedExCup points but also secured his exemption on the TOUR through 2027 and a coveted spot in the upcoming PGA Championship.
💡 Did you know that... Ryan Fox comes from a strong sporting family in New Zealand. 🏉🏏 His father, Grant Fox, was a legendary rugby union fly-half who helped the All Blacks win the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 and holds the record for most points scored by an individual in a Rugby World Cup tournament. Furthermore, Ryan's maternal grandfather, Merv Wallace, was a captain and coach of the New Zealand national cricket team.
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️ PGA Championship – May 15-18, 2025 – Quail Hollow Club Charlotte, North Carolina • USA
The PGA Championship is one of the 4 major championships in professional golf, alongside the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. It is the oldest of the four major championships, having been first held in 1916.
The PGA Championship is unique among the majors in that it is organized by the PGA of America, an association of professional golfers. This gives the tournament a distinct character and often leads to a more challenging course setup.
The tournament is typically held in May, and it rotates among various prestigious golf courses across the United States. Some of the most iconic courses to have hosted the PGA Championship include Oak Hill Country Club, Valhalla Golf Club (2024), and Southern Hills Country Club.
📐 The architectural history of Quail Hollow Club is rich and complex, having undergone several evolutions over the years. The original architect was George Cobb. He designed the original course, which opened in 1961. In the 1980s, Arnold Palmer made a number of changes to the course, improving certain holes. From 1997 onwards, Tom Fazio undertook extensive renovation and modernisation of the course, particularly with a view to hosting major events such as the PGA Championship.
🏆 The winner of the PGA Championship receives the Wanamaker Trophy, a prestigious award that symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement in professional golf. Named after Rodman Wanamaker, a prominent businessman and golf enthusiast, the trophy is a symbol of excellence and achievement in the sport. The trophy itself is a magnificent piece of craftsmanship, standing nearly 2.5 feet tall and weighing over 27 pounds. It features intricate details and is adorned with the names of past champions. The winner of the PGA Championship receives a replica of the trophy to keep, while the original remains on display at the PGA of America's headquarters.
💰 Purse: -
💯 FedExCup: 750 pts
Previous winner: 🇺🇸 Xander Schauffele ($3,330,000)
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️Charles Schwab Challenge – May 22-25, 2025 – Colonial Country Club Fort Worth, Texas • USA
The Colonial Country Club, designed by legendary golf course architects 📐John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell, is a classic layout that demands precision and accuracy from the world's best golfers.
The tournament has a rich history, dating back to the 1940s.
🧐 The Charles Schwab (a renowned financial services company) Challenge is a celebration of the game's rich heritage and a tribute to the legendary Ben Hogan (1912-1977), who was a longtime member of Colonial Country Club. Hogan's dominance at the tournament earned the course the nickname "Hogan's Alley." He won the event 5 times, a testament to his skill and the course's challenging layout. Ben Hogan, often hailed as one of the greatest golfers of all time, was a true icon of the sport. Born in 1912, Hogan's career was marked by exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and a remarkable comeback from a near-fatal car accident. He won nine major championships, including four U.S. Opens, two Masters Tournaments, and one British Open. His victory at the 1953 British Open, his first attempt, is considered one of the greatest achievements in golf history. Hogan's influence extends beyond his playing career. His book, "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf," is a classic text that has helped countless golfers improve their game.
🏆 Davis Riley dominated the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge, securing his second PGA Tour victory and his first individual win. He finished the tournament at 14-under par, five strokes ahead of the field, including world number one Scottie Scheffler.
💰 Purse: $9,500,000
💯 FedExCup: 500 pts
Previous winner: 🇺🇸 Davis Riley ($1,638,000)
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday – May 29-June 1, 2025 – Muirfield Village Golf Club Dublin, Ohio • USA
⛳️ Muirfield Village, designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus 📐, is a demanding course that tests every aspect of a golfer's game. The tournament is a tribute to Nicklaus, who founded the event to honor the memory of his late father, Charlie.
The course was named after Muirfield Links in Scotland, a historic golf course that Nicklaus admired. Muirfield Village has hosted numerous PGA Tour events, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.
🏆 The winner of the Memorial Tournament receives the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Trophy, a prestigious award that honors the tournament's founder.
Scottie Scheffler's victory at the 2024 Memorial Tournament was a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering focus. Despite challenging weather conditions in the final round, Scheffler managed to hold onto his lead and secure a one-stroke victory over 🇺🇸Collin Morikawa. This victory marked Scheffler's fifth win of the 2024 season.
💰 Purse: $20,000,000
💯 FedExCup: 700 pts
Previous winner: 🇺🇸 Scottie Scheffler ($4,000,000)
