Aronimink Golf Club, a renowned Philadelphia golf course, presents an intriguing challenge for the upcoming PGA Championship. With its 180 bunkers, undulating terrain, and a par 70 layout spanning 7,394 yards, the course demands a strategic approach from players. Here's an in-depth analysis of three key factors that could determine the champion's fate.
Putting Surfaces: Precision and Patience
Aronimink's greens, designed by Donald Ross and restored by Gil Hanse, boast an impressive 8,200 square feet on average. This is significantly larger than the typical greens on the PGA TOUR, with Pebble Beach's greens averaging a mere 3,500 square feet. The expansive surfaces demand precision and patience from golfers. Keegan Bradley's success in the 2018 BMW Championship, where he gained 62% of his strokes with the putter, highlights the importance of a reliable short game. The severe slopes and varying speeds of these greens make stroke control and reading the breaks crucial. Players who can consistently make putts under six feet will have a distinct advantage.
Iron Play: Precision and Distance Control
Aronimink's traditional layout emphasizes iron play across the bag. While mid-irons (150-200 yards) won't be prevalent, golfers will encounter numerous wedge shots and long irons, especially on the par 3s. The key to success lies in combining approach skills with distance control. Only the world's best iron players can consistently reach their targets with scoring irons and shots over 215 yards. The course's design, with 14 out of 18 approach shots falling within these two ranges, underscores the significance of proximity. In 2018, the field hit an impressive 77.4% of their greens in regulation (GIR), 11% above the TOUR average. This statistic emphasizes the need for golfers to master long irons, wedges, and precision approaches to excel at Aronimink.
Par 4 Mastery: Long and Short Game Excellence
Aronimink's par 70 setup features 12 par 4 holes, and the players who excel in this department will have a strong chance at victory. The 13th and 15th holes, in particular, demand a variety of shots, showcasing the players' ability to handle long and short game situations. Scottie Scheffler's current lead in par 4 scoring on the PGA TOUR is a strong indicator of his prowess on these holes. Additionally, players like Robert MacIntyre, Cameron Young, Akshay Bhatia, and Si Woo Kim, who rank among the top 5 in this category, should be closely monitored. Their ability to navigate Aronimink's challenging par 4s will significantly impact their chances of contending for the Wanamaker Trophy.
As the 108th PGA Championship unfolds at Aronimink, spectators can anticipate a thrilling competition. The course's unique characteristics, from its expansive greens to the demanding par 4s, will test the players' skills and mental fortitude. These insights provide a glimpse into the strategic considerations that will shape the tournament, offering golf enthusiasts a captivating spectacle as they predict the winner of this prestigious major championship.
