The PGA Championship is a prestigious golf tournament held annually since 1916, except for during wartime. Played by professional golfers, it's one of four major championships alongside the Masters, U.S. Open, and Open Championship. The competition format changed from match-play to stroke-play in 1958, and the winner received the Wanamaker Trophy.
The Valhalla Golf Course will host its fourth PGA Championship in 2024, adding another chapter to its legacy as a championship course. The course, designed by the legendary architect Jack Nicklaus, has consistently challenged players with its demanding layout.
PGA Championship Holes List
The traditional 4-round professional golf tournament consists of 72 holes total. This includes four full rounds of 18 holes played on consecutive days, usually Thursday through Sunday.
Here’s the list of the 18 holes of the course:
First Hole: THE POST: This is a major test out the gate; this dogleg left par 4 was lengthened to 495 yards. The challenge is off the tee and in the approach shot.
Second Hole: WINNING COLORS: This lengthy par four curves gently to the left. The tee shot is demanding because a winding waterway hugs the entire left side of the fairway throughout the front nine, posing a water hazard for errant drives.
Third Hole: HONEST ABE: This par 3 demands precision. Floyd's Fork curves dramatically to the right of the green, adding an extra layer of difficulty. The green itself is well-protected: a large bunker lurks to the right, while smaller bunkers flank the left and back sides, waiting to punish off-target shots.
Fourth Hole: MINE THAT BIRD: This par 4 is about finesse on the approach shot, especially for players who lie back off the tee. Distance control is crucial for finding the putting surface, as there's likely trouble lurking for shots that come up short or fly too long.
Fifth Hole: THE SUN SHINES BRIGHT: This par 4 presents a strategic dilemma from the tee shot. A large fairway bunker sits on the right, mirroring the three bunkers lining the landing area's left side. The green itself adds another layer of challenge. It can be set with the hole tucked back right, creating one of the most difficult birdie opportunities on the course.
Sixth Hole: LONG SHOT: This is one of Valhalla’s most difficult holes, and also in the world. A deep bunker on the green's left awaits any wayward tee shots, while the closely mown area to the right acts like a magnet for errant drives.
Seventh Hole: GENUINE RISK: This is a challenging par 5 hole. The safest route requires taking the fairway on the right, even though it adds some distance to one’s shot.
Eight Hole: FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY: This par 3 is deceptive. While the yardage calls for a short- to middle-iron, the green presents a real test. A deep bunker guards the front; if one misses it, a tightly mowed collection area awaits, making it difficult to hold the green.
Ninth Hole: TWIN SPIRES: This uphill par 4 offers a stunning tee shot; however, the fairway is a gauntlet with three bunkers flanking the right side and two lurking on the left.
Tenth Hole: BIG RED: The 10th hole offers a strategic challenge: a double-dogleg par 5. A fairway bunker awaits on the right after the tee shot, while thick rough and trees guard the left side.
Eleventh Hole: HOLLER: This par 3 demands a middle- to long-iron shot, and accuracy is crucial. Shots straying too far left will careen down the hillside, leaving one scrambling for par.
Twelfth Hole: STING LIKE A BEE: This par 4 has been an extremely challenging hole at Valhalla. The green is unforgiving of any wayward shots, with the course's deepest bunker guarding the right side and a nasty patch of rough lurking on the left.
Thirteenth Hole: THE LIMESTONE HOLE: Hole 13, the shortest par 4 at Valhalla, is another tough hole. While the distance is tempting, avoiding the cluster of six bunkers lurking on the left of the fairway is paramount.
Fourteenth Hole: ON THE ROCKS: The longest par 3 at Valhalla features a two-tiered green with two bunkers in front and two bunkers behind.
Fifteenth Hole: JULEP: This is one of the most scenic holes at the course with deep bluegrass rough borders on the left side, while a hefty bunker guards the right. Finding the putting surface demands pinpoint accuracy.
Sixteenth Hole: HOMESTRETCH: The par 4 hole bends slightly to the right, with the creek constantly threatening the entire right side. A wayward tee shot finding the water means a blocked approach or a risky attempt over the creek. This unforgiving layout and a demanding green complex have cemented this hole's reputation as one of Valhalla's toughest.
Seventeenth Hole: STRAIGHT UP: The tee shot at this uphill par 4 must find the fairway for players, thus avoiding the bunkers on the left and right. Two bunkers will protect the green to the left and a closely mown chipping area to the right and rear.
Eighteenth Hole: PHOTO FINISH: A dramatic finale awaits at the 18th, a par 5 that's become a Valhalla classic. Players must navigate the landing zone carefully, with a hefty bunker guarding the left and a stunning water feature flanking the right
FAQ's On Holes in PGA Championship
A. The PGA Championship consists of 4 rounds. Each round consists of 18 holes.
A. In the case of the PGA Championship, the tied players play three holes. At the very end of the round whoever has the lowest score is declared the winner.
A. Members and member guests can play the course at Valhalla.