The PGA Championship’s Greatest Stages: A Deep Dive Beyond the Rankings
The PGA Championship, one of golf’s most prestigious majors, has graced some of the world’s most iconic courses. But what makes a course truly great? Is it the number of championships hosted, its ranking on prestigious lists, or the memories it evokes? Personally, I think it’s a combination of all these factors, plus something intangible—a sense of history, challenge, and spectacle.
The Elite Few: Where Legends Are Made
Oakmont Country Club and The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island sit atop many rankings, and for good reason. Oakmont, designed by Henry C. Fownes in 1904, is often hailed as one of the best championship courses outside Augusta National. Its three PGA Championships (1922, 1951, 1978) and five U.S. Opens speak to its enduring legacy. What many people don’t realize is that Oakmont’s design philosophy—emphasizing precision over power—has influenced countless courses worldwide. It’s a course that demands respect, and its rankings (5th by Golf Digest, 8th globally by Top100) are well-deserved.
Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course, on the other hand, is a more modern masterpiece. Designed by Pete Dye, it’s a public course with private course exclusivity—a $600+ greens fee ensures that. Its stunning oceanfront views and hosting of the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships (won by Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson, respectively) have cemented its status. But what makes this course particularly fascinating is how it balances beauty with brutality, especially when the wind picks up.
The Middle Ground: Consistency Meets Challenge
Courses like Riviera Country Club and Southern Hills fall into this category. Riviera, a staple of the PGA Tour and home to the Genesis Invitational, has hosted two PGA Championships (1983, 1995). Its beauty is undeniable, but its ranking (18th by Golf Digest) doesn’t fully capture its cultural significance. It’s a course that feels alive, with a history that includes Hollywood stars and golf legends alike.
Southern Hills, with its five PGA Championships (1970, 1982, 1994, 2007, 2022), is a testament to consistency. Ranked 28th nationally by Golf Digest, it’s a course that has stood the test of time. One thing that immediately stands out is its ability to challenge the world’s best while remaining fair—a rare feat in modern golf course design.
The Fallen Giants: What Happened?
Courses like Keller Golf Club and Bellerive Country Club once held prominent positions but have since faded. Keller, which hosted the PGA Championship in 1923 and 1954, is now ranked 21st in Minnesota. A 2014 renovation aimed to modernize it, but it’s clear that the competition has simply outpaced it. Bellerive, once a heartland powerhouse, now ranks 169th nationally. This raises a deeper question: Can a course regain its former glory, or is it destined to become a relic of golf’s past?
The Wild Card: Aronimink Golf Club
Aronimink, hosting its second PGA Championship this week, is a fascinating case study. Ranked 3rd in Pennsylvania, it’s no stranger to big events, having hosted the BMW Championship, Women’s PGA Championship, and more. But what this really suggests is that rankings aren’t everything. Aronimink’s classic design and strategic layout make it a worthy host, even if it doesn’t crack the top 50 globally.
Broader Implications: What Makes a Course Timeless?
If you take a step back and think about it, the best courses aren’t just about rankings or championships. They’re about the stories they tell, the challenges they present, and the memories they create. A detail that I find especially interesting is how courses like Oakmont and Kiawah Island have managed to stay relevant by evolving while staying true to their original designs.
In my opinion, the future of golf course design lies in balancing tradition with innovation. Courses that can adapt to modern players while preserving their historical integrity will be the ones that stand the test of time. What many people don’t realize is that the PGA Championship isn’t just about the players—it’s about the courses that host them, and the stories they tell.
Final Thoughts
As we watch this year’s PGA Championship unfold, let’s not just focus on the leaderboard. Let’s appreciate the course itself—its history, its design, and its place in golf’s grand narrative. Personally, I think that’s what makes this sport so special. It’s not just about who wins; it’s about where they win, and why that place matters.
