Wells Fargo Championship preview: The stars hit Quail Hollow
After less-than-stellar fields highlighted the team event at the Zurich Classic and last week's Mexico Open, the stars return to action this week at the Wells Fargo Championship.
The tournament at Quail Hollow is the latest on the TOUR's designated event schedule for 2023. A $20-million purse is up for grabs, and 40 of the top 50 eligible players in the world will take part.
When: May 4-7
Where: Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina
How to watch
| Date | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| May 4 | 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. | GOLF |
| May 5 | 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. | GOLF |
| May 6 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | GOLF |
| 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. | CBS | |
| May 7 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | GOLF |
| 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. | CBS |
Last year's result
Last year's event was played at TPC Potomac due to Quail Hollow hosting the Presidents Cup in September. The change of venue didn't affect Max Homa, as the 2019 champion claimed his second trophy at the event with a two-stroke victory over Cam Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Keegan Bradley.
It was Homa's fourth win on TOUR and his third in 15 months, and it virtually secured his place in the Presidents Cup. His previous success at Quail Hollow was certainly a bonus for Homa at the 2022 team event, as he starred in the Americans' victory over the International team.
Recent winners
2022 - Max Homa (-8)
2021 - Rory McIlroy (-10)
2020 - No event
2019 - Max Homa (-15)
2018 - Jason Day (-12)
2017 - Brian Harman (-10)
2016 - James Hahn (-9)
2015 - Rory McIlroy (-21)
Marquee/Featured groups
Group: Max Homa, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala
Thursday - 7:23 a.m. ET (No. 10 tee)
Group: Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jason Day
Thursday - 7:34 a.m. ET (No. 10 tee)
Group: Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, Xander Schauffele
Thursday - 12:43 p.m. ET
Group: Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley
Thursday - 12:54 p.m. ET
Group: Viktor Hovland, Cam Young, Collin Morikawa
Thursday - 1:05 p.m. ET
3 reasons to watch
Designated event brings big purse, stars
Jon Rahm has been a cash machine at designated events this season, but the World No. 1 is taking a much-deserved break this week. That leaves the door wide-open for a number of players to capitalize. Jordan Spieth will be among them, as the 29-year-old looks to build off a perfect 5-0-0 record at Quail Hollow in September's Ryder Cup. Justin Thomas is another name to watch this week, as the 30-year-old claimed his first major at the 2017 PGA Championship at the Charlotte layout.
Rory returns
The golf world hasn't seen or heard from Rory McIlroy since he missed the cut at the Masters. The four-time major champion opted to skip the RBC Heritage and potentially incur a $3-million fine. McIlroy told Sky Sports earlier this week that he needed the break for his mental and emotional well-being. Despite his recent struggles, McIlroy is the betting favorite thanks to his two previous wins in the event. The 33-year-old holds the course record at Quail Hollow with a sizzling 61 fired in 2015.
Homa loves Wells Fargo
Homa's been an absolute star at Quail Hollow in recent years and will look to continue that trend this week. After posting a win, second-, and sixth-place showing over a five-event run earlier this season, Homa has cooled off with two straight missed cuts and a 43rd-place showing at the Masters in his last three starts. A return to North Carolina might be just what he needs to get back on track.
Betting odds
Rory McIlroy +750
Patrick Cantlay +1,400
Tony Finau +1,600
Xander Schauffele +1,600
Cam Young +1,800
Jordan Spieth +1,800
Viktor Hovland +1,800
Collin Morikawa +2,200
Justin Thomas +2,200
Max Homa +2,500
Sungjae Im +2,500
Jason Day +2,800
Matt Fitzpatrick +2,800
Rickie Fowler +3,500
Sam Burns +3,500
Odds via theScore Bet.