CHARLOTTE -- There is a distinct presence about Jon Rahm, a weight that his name carries in the world of golf. When he crosses the finish line and enters the winner's circle, it resonates with fans and players alike. They understand that when Rahm makes his move and his name ascends to the top of the leaderboard, the tournament is far from over, regardless of the current leader. As we approach the final 18 holes of the 2025 PGA Championship, Rahm is very much in contention.
In the third round, the two-time major champion showcased his skill with a remarkable score of 67, dropping as low as 7 under par at Quail Hollow. After a birdie at the start of the challenging Green Mile, Rahm found himself in a tie with four other competitors, including fellow LIV Golf member Bryson DeChambeau and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. However, a bogey on the penultimate hole, coupled with a blistering 5-under finish by Scheffler on his last five holes, saw Rahm slip to T5 on the leaderboard. Despite this, he remains a formidable contender in this major championship.
“It’s hard to express how hungry I am for a major championship,” Rahm stated. “I’m as hungry as anyone can be in this situation. I’m very happy to be in contention again. I’m assuming I’ll be at least one shot back starting Sunday, but that’s a great position. This golf course is tricky, and one shot is nothing over 18 holes. I’m pleased with how my game is shaping up, and I think today was the round I knew I was capable of achieving.”
Rahm is no stranger to high-stakes moments. As a winner of two different major championships—the Masters and the U.S. Open—the prospect of claiming the Wanamaker Trophy is a significant opportunity for him, one he won't take lightly, even if the path appears challenging. If he manages to secure a victory and orchestrate a remarkable comeback from five strokes behind Scheffler, it would pave the way for a historic moment later this year at Royal Portrush, where he could aim for a career grand slam at The Open Championship.
As discussions around Rahm's aspirations for a career grand slam intensify, particularly following Rory McIlroy's recent triumph at the Masters, it's important to reflect on Rahm's journey since transitioning to LIV Golf at the start of 2024. His experience during last year's major championship season was tumultuous, marked by an awkward defense of his Masters title, an early exit from the PGA Championship, and a U.S. Open that never materialized due to a foot injury. Rahm insists these struggles stemmed from personal issues rather than the league itself. “My play has been consistent on LIV Golf,” Rahm explained. “I was the league champion in my inaugural season and have yet to finish outside the top 10. But I hadn’t felt like myself until Saturday in Charlotte.”
“My move to LIV and struggling in majors had nothing to do with my playing conditions,” Rahm asserted. “I simply wasn’t at the level needed to compete. Major championship courses expose flaws, and that became evident in my performance. While I had moments of brilliance at events like The Open last year, I struggled after winning the Masters until the Ryder Cup.” Rahm is optimistic about his current form, stating, “I believe I’m getting closer to a comfortable position, and this week has shown that.”
Rahm has consistently been candid about his game and thoughts throughout his career. With his swing in check and determination renewed, he is ready to make a statement. If he makes a move on Sunday, it will be felt not only by those outside the ropes but also by competitors hoping to keep his name off the leaderboard.
As we look ahead to the final round, let’s assess Jon Rahm and five other golfers poised to challenge Scheffler for the title at Quail Hollow. The following contenders are ranked based on their current positions on the leaderboard, with odds provided by DraftKings.
The Swedish veteran Alex Noren is set to face Scheffler in the final pairing, marking only his eighth competitive round of the year. Noren made a stunning return to tournament golf last week at the Truist Championship and followed it up with an impressive score of 66 on Saturday. He carded four birdies in his final five holes, establishing himself as Scheffler's closest challenger, trailing by three strokes. Noren’s ability to navigate the left side of the golf course and consistently make putts gives him a fighting chance.
Davis Riley has proven to be a strong contender, playing his final 12 holes at 5-under par. With a string of three consecutive birdies around the turn, he has positioned himself well. Although Riley's journey has been inconsistent, he has experience in major championship contention, having previously been in the mix at Southern Hills and during his Masters debut last month. “This is what we work for; we want a chance to win these major championships,” Riley said, emphasizing his determination to embrace the moment.
Jon Rahm has consistently shown promise, with a streak of top finishes on LIV Golf and strong performances in major championships. In Round 3, he rolled in seven birdies, showcasing his capability to compete at the highest level. His iron play was particularly impressive, ranking second in the field for strokes gained approach, which will be crucial for his chances in the final round. Rahm remains a strong contender for the PGA Championship as he seeks to add another major title to his resume.
Si Woo Kim started strong, making a birdie on the par-3 4th to share the lead. Although he faced challenges with bogeys on the turn, he rebounded with birdies on Nos. 13 and 15. Despite a bogey on the last hole, Kim remains a potential threat, especially with his impressive putting performance, gaining nearly two strokes on the greens per round. “I just played well the last three rounds. I’m looking forward to trying to go low on Sunday,” Kim stated confidently.
Bryson DeChambeau struggled on the Green Mile, but he remains a viable contender if given the opportunity. Despite a rocky finish, he played well for the majority of the round and is determined to shoot low on Sunday. “All I can do is control what I can control,” DeChambeau said, emphasizing his focus on delivering a strong performance. He has the potential to mount a challenge if he can capitalize on any mistakes made by the leaders.
Keegan Bradley, the 2011 champion, made a significant surge by finishing his last five holes at 3 under. With a solid performance throughout the tournament, Bradley aims to maintain his momentum and apply pressure on the leaders. His ball striking has been commendable, and if he can improve his putting on Sunday, he could contend for another Wanamaker Trophy.
As the final round of the 2025 PGA Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Jon Rahm and the other top contenders as they vie for golf's most prestigious trophy.
