10 Outsiders to Watch at The PGA Championship 2025
By: Derek Clements | Mon 12 May 2025
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Most of the attention will be on the biggest names at this year's PGA Championship - and rightly so - but that doesn't mean that someone from the pack couldn't surprise them all and snatch the Wanamaker Trophy.
Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out some outsiders that he's keeping an eye on this week.
Brian Campbell
Campbell is one of the shortest hitters on the PGA Tour but is also one of the most accurate, and that could serve him really well at Quail Hollow. Could be a dark horse to follow.
Eugenio Chacarra
One of the brightest young talents on the DP World Tour, the Spaniard possesses a wonderful short game and loves to attack.
Padraig Harrington
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Do not be surprised to see the Irishman contending. Despite being the wrong side of 50, he remains a brilliant ball striker and still hits the ball a long way. And he still believes he can win.
Garrick Higgo
The South African left-hander has had something of a rollercoaster ride. He hits the ball a country mile. When he is hot he is REALLY hot. But when he is bad he is awful. Could win. Could shoot 90-90.
Phil Mickelson
He won’t win, although he thinks he can. But no matter what happens, you can be sure there will be plenty of excitement as Lefty goes after every flag. Still possesses a wondrous short-game touch.
Andrew Novak
If you are looking for a form horse who will not feature among the betting favourites, then Novak is your man. He is currently in the form of his life - and will genuinely believe he can win.
Marco Penge
The Englishman retained his DP World Tour card by the skin of his teeth and is now a winner. Like Higgo, he hits the ball miles. And like Higgo, it can sometimes go horribly wrong. But his future is probably in America.
Seamus Power
If the Irishman has genuine hopes of making Europe’s Ryder Cup team (and he does) then this week would be a good time to put in an eye-catching appearance.
Aaron Rai
Is loving life on the PGA Tour. And his success should surprise nobody - he is one of the hardest workers, spending hours grinding it out on the range. Great temperament, and hugely underrated .
Sepp Straka
Having just won the Truist Championship, his second title of the year, Straka probably isn't a real outsider, but he won't be among the biggest favourites. Straka is a player who tends to go under the radar despite his four career PGA Tour victories. He does most things well and Quail Hollow could suit him.
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