PGA Championship to Benefit as Another Golf Legend Follows John Daly’s Unusual Choice

Why are the top players with PGA Championship exemption leaving the field? And how is it working in favor of the tournament? Well, sit tight because we have answers to both of them. Just recently, John Daly, the 1991 PGA Championship winner, opted out of using his lifetime exemption to play this week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, instead choosing to participate in the PGA Tour Champions Regions Tradition. Daly cited scheduling conflicts and financial reasons, stating, “I can go (to the PGA Championship) and miss the cut and get $6,000… I love Regions. They’re a great sponsor.”

Well, now another PGA Tour veteran has decided to mirror John Daly’s action. Vijay Singh, the two-time PGA Championship winner, has withdrawn from the 2025 PGA Championship to participate in the PGA Tour Champions event, the Regions Tradition. Singh, 62, had been listed in the initial field at Quail Hollow Club but pulled out four days before the first round, citing his commitment to the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama, where he will compete from May 15-18.

One more thing worth noting is that the golfer, won the Wanamaker Trophy in 1998 and 2004, hasn’t played in the PGA Championship, US Open, or The Open since 2018 but has consistently appeared at The Masters since his debut in 1994, until this year when injury forced him to break his streak of 31 consecutive starts. Victor Perez is set to replace Singh in the field, making it even stronger than it was before.

The PGA Championship is notorious for having the strongest field across all majors, and the 2025 edition at Quail Hollow Golf Club is no exception. With top contenders like Rory McIlroy, fresh from his Masters victory, Scottie Scheffler, and Jordan Spieth in the mix, the tournament promises high-stakes drama.

Looks like Vijay Singh (probably wisely) decided to play on the Champions Tour instead this week, which means it’s another win for the French! @v_perez2 should move into the 2025 #PGAChampionship field, making it even stronger.

Alex Smalley is now the 1st alternate… https://t.co/SYivBszuFs

— Nosferatu (@VC606) May 13, 2025

The challenging layout of Quail Hollow could lead to a long list of players in contention for the Wanamaker Trophy. Notably, this year’s field is expected to make history with a rating projected to surpass 500 points, the first time since the OWGR system revamp, further solidifying the PGA Championship’s reputation for attracting an exceptionally strong field. This is also set to outpace the typical major field ratings, which usually hover around 400. Regardless, one player does not seem to be worried at all.

Rory McIlroy is relaxed before the 2025 PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy is feeling like a new man after finally completing his career Grand Slam with a thrilling win at the Masters. With the weight of that major drought lifted, he’s expecting to approach the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow with a newfound sense of freedom and comfort. “I’m obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure,” McIlroy said. He’s already won four times at Quail Hollow, so he’s familiar with the course, and he’s looking forward to being more relaxed, especially around his family.

McIlroy’s journey to this point hasn’t been easy. He endured a nail-biting playoff win against Justin Rose, even double-bogeying the first hole. But he credits defeating his own mental hurdles as the biggest win. Now, he’s excited to focus on his game again after a whirlwind few weeks, which included a trip home to Northern Ireland, the Zurich Classic, and a media blitz in New York City. “I’m excited to get back to being a golfer,” he said, making him a formidable contender at the PGA Championship. So, do you think McIlroy’s relaxed approach will get him another major win? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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