J.T. Poston: The Local Hero at the 2025 PGA Championship

By: Josh Berhow | Date: May 17, 2025

The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte has become a thrilling spectacle, and all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who maintains a commanding lead heading into the final round. However, the real fan favorite stands just behind him: North Carolina native J.T. Poston. With family and friends cheering him on and the hometown support on his side, Poston has electrified the atmosphere with his impressive performance.

As players head into the final round, the penultimate pairing will feature Davis Riley alongside Poston, teeing off at 2:30 p.m. ET. Scheffler and Alex Noren will follow them, but many local spectators are eagerly anticipating Poston’s every move. Born in Hickory, just 60 miles from Charlotte, Poston has a storied background that resonates with fans—it serves as his home turf, and he’s determined to make the most of it.

Growing up, Poston was more than just a talented golfer; he was a local legend. He won two individual state championships and contributed to a team title during his high school years. After moving on to play college golf at Western Carolina University, he solidified his ties to the region. His connection to the area has not faded, as evidenced by the numerous cheers from his hometown, including “Hickory!” and “Red Tornados!” echoing throughout the course during his rounds.

Now, as he competes for his first major title, the excitement surrounding Poston is palpable. "I’m getting a lot of shouts,” Poston expressed, highlighting the support he has been receiving from his high school and college teammates who are present. The positive energy fuels him as he continues to compete against the best players in the world.

In a recent round, Poston delivered a stellar performance, shooting a three-under 68 and elevating his total to seven under. While he trails Scheffler, the current leader by four strokes, Poston is in prime position. "It’s not as if I’m far behind," he noted, exuding optimism. With only two golfers ahead of him, he believes he has a significant opportunity to clinch his first major championship.

Analyzing his game, Poston has demonstrated remarkable consistency. Although he has faced challenges off the tee, he ranks third in Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Putting. “I hit a lot of really good shots, especially under tough conditions," he stated. As the winds pick up and the course becomes increasingly challenging, patience has become an essential theme of Poston’s performance this week.

As a seasoned golfer with three PGA Tour wins under his belt, including a recent victory at the Shriners Children’s Open, Poston’s resume speaks volumes. He’s had an excellent season, missed just one cut in 14 starts, and boasts five top 25 finishes. Over the past three years, his performance has further solidified his status in the sport, with 34 top-10 finishes and never dropping below 41st in the FedEx Cup standings.

Nonetheless, the realm of major tournaments has been a hurdle for Poston. In his 17 major starts, he has struggled to crack the top 10, an elusive benchmark he is determined to overcome this weekend. With sportsbooks giving Scheffler -450 odds to secure the victory, Poston’s +3000 odds rank him among the contenders. Such odds may suggest pressure, yet he feels buoyed by the local support, allowing him to play liberally.

The stakes are high, but Poston is keeping his cool. With less pressure due to local familiarity and a dedicated fan base, he aims to channel that supportive energy into a strong comeback. His previous success at the Wyndham Championship, also held in North Carolina, plays into his narrative and gives fans hope—a local hero triumphing on his home soil.

“I love playing in front of the home crowd,” Poston remarked, emphasizing the boost he gets from enthusiastic supporters. His aspirations for the championship reflect both pride in his roots and a drive to make history. All eyes will be on Poston as he steps onto the green, representing not only himself but also his community and heritage. If he can harness that local energy and sharpen his skills, there’s a strong possibility that his first major title could come in the Carolinas.

In conclusion, with the final round approaching, J.T. Poston’s journey encapsulates the essence of sportsmanship—determination, resilience, and a passion for the game. Whether he emerges victorious or not, his local roots and enduring spirit remind fans and players alike of the magic that sports can bring to communities. As the sun sets over Quail Hollow, many will be rooting for the hometown hero, eager to see if he can fulfill his dreams on a grand stage.