2024 PGA Championship course: What players can expect at Valhalla Golf Club

The PGA Championship will take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The club, known for its rich history and challenging course, will host the prestigious event for the fourth time.

The hum surrounding Valhalla is tangible, with memories of past victories and heartbreaks fueling the fans’ expectations. The course has seen iconic moments in the past, such as Mark Brooks’ dramatic playoff win over Kenny Perry in 1996 and Tiger Woods’ unforgettable triumph over Bob May in 2000. Rory McIlroy’s dominant performance 2014 further confirmed the course’s place among golf’s elite.

Valhalla has undergone significant modifications since its last PGA Championship outing. Noteworthy changes include the switch to zoysia grass in the fairways, intended to provide a firmer and faster playing surface. However, recent rainfall may alter course conditions, potentially slowing the pace and adding a touch of complexity for the players.

The Valhalla rough

The rough at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club is famously unforgiving due to its length and wetness. It boasts a mix of cool-weather grasses that pose a serious challenge for wayward shots. The fairways may appear narrow, but the softer conditions could offer some reprieve for those struggling to find their rhythm off the tee. The thickness of the rough is pronounced, with some lies leaving players with little option but to hack their way back onto the fairway.

The difficulty of the rough also changes throughout the week. While it may seem most burdensome during practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday, the grass becomes more matted down as the tournament progresses, presenting different challenges for players.

For those stuck in the thick of it, there are strategies to employ, such as getting the ball further back in the stance, opening up the clubface, and taking a steep swing to minimize the impact of the rough. Driving distance has emerged as a critical factor, with past champions consistently ranking among the tour’s longest hitters, underscoring the importance of power and precision in navigating Valhalla’s formidable challenges.