It’s the second major of the year.
There’s something special in the air at Quail Hollow Club. Nestled in Charlotte, North Carolina, this iconic golf course sets the stage for one of the most thrilling tests in golf—the PGA Championship. Known for its pristine conditions and championship pedigree, Quail Hollow transforms into a true battleground when it hosts a major. With a course layout that stretches over 7,600 yards, players are pushed to their limits from the first tee to the final putt.
But what really sets this course apart is its unforgettable finishing stretch—The Green Mile.
What is The Green Mile?
When it comes to closing holes on the PGA Tour, The Green Mile at Quail Hollow is in a league of its own. Comprising holes 16, 17, and 18, this trio of monsters challenges even the best players in the world with a blend of length, precision, and nerve. As rain early in the week softened fairways, the course will play longer than expected. Still, thanks to SubAir systems, the greens remain firm and lightning fast—perfect for drama.
For a TOUR Player, The Green Mile can make or break your PGA Championship run—so, how do they approach these final 3 holes?
Hole 16 – 529 Yards, Par 4
This long par 4 requires power off the tee and precision on the approach. While the tee shot is downhill, the fairway tightens near the landing zone, guarded by bunkers on the right and trees to the left. The second shot is where things get dicey: players must carry water short and left while trying to hold a green that slopes back to front. Most will aim safely for the middle or right side, playing for par and hoping not to give away their round here.
Pro Tip from the Pros: A driver is key on this hole—getting a good fairway position is make-or-break for setting up a playable second shot.
Hole 17 – 223 Yards, Par 3
Arguably one of the most nerve-wracking tee shots in golf, the 17th plays entirely over water. Wind swirling off the nearby lake makes club selection a guessing game. The narrow green offers little room for error—short and left are wet, long or right leaves a tough up-and-down on a slick surface. Most players will bail right or aim for the center of the green, knowing that even a par here can feel like a birdie.
Pro Tip from the Pros: Aim for the middle—this is a “hit it solid and stay dry” kind of hole.
Hole 18 – 494 Yards, Par 4
The final hole demands a perfect drive. A creek hugs the left side of the fairway and pinches the landing zone on this slight dogleg. A right-handed player will often favor a fade to keep the ball in play. The uphill second shot to a narrow, sloping green is no picnic either. A false front will punish anything short, and the green's shape means positioning is everything. Players who find the green in regulation will breathe a sigh of relief—any chip or long putt here is treacherous.
Pro Tip from the Pros: A strong drive sets everything up—fairway first, then players plan their approach carefully to avoid a tricky chip or long putt.
A Championship Course Built for Drama
With rain softening the course and fast greens ensuring no shot is easy, Quail Hollow is poised to deliver a spectacular show for fans and a brutal challenge for the field of 156 players. Whether it’s the test of skill, strategy, or sheer willpower, The Green Mile proves once again why it’s one of the most feared and respected finishing stretches in professional golf.
For players and fans, Quail Hollow at the PGA Championship is more than just a course—it's where legends are tested, and champions are made.
