The 18 Best and Worst Golf Clubs to Host Multiple PGA Championships: A Deep Dive
The PGA Championship is one of golf's most prestigious events, and the courses that host it are often the best in the world. But which ones are truly the best and worst? Here's a deep dive into the 18 clubs that have hosted multiple PGA Championships, ranked from best to worst.
The Top 10:
- Oakmont Country Club (3x Host)
- Why it's great: Arguably the best major championship course outside of Augusta National. Ranked 5th by Golf Digest and 8th in the world by Top 100.
- Why it matters: Oakmont has hosted three PGA Championships and five U.S. Opens, solidifying its status as a true golf icon.
- The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (2x Host)
- Why it's fascinating: Public and accessible, with stunning views. Ranked 24th by Golf Digest and 41st by Top 100.
- Why it matters: Hosted the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2021, as well as the 1991 Ryder Cup.
- Whistling Straits Golf Course (3x Host)
- Why it's stunning: A true golf masterpiece. Ranked 26th by Golf Digest and 43rd by Top 100.
- Why it matters: Hosted three PGA Championships, including the 2015 edition won by Jason Day.
- Oak Hill Country Club (4x Host)
- Why it's a ball striker's dream: Designed by Donald Ross, ranked 22nd by Golf Digest and 30th by Top 100.
- Why it matters: Hosted four PGA Championships, including the 2023 edition won by Brooks Koepka.
- Valhalla Golf Club (4x Host)
- Why it's iconic: The course where Xander Schauffele won the 2024 PGA Championship.
- Why it matters: Ranked 87th by Golf Digest and top-ranked in Kentucky.
- Southern Hills Country Club (5x Host)
- Why it's legendary: Hosted five PGA Championships, including the 2007 edition won by Tiger Woods.
- Why it matters: Ranked 28th by Golf Digest and 87th by Top 100.
- Riviera Country Club (2x Host)
- Why it's beautiful: One of the most scenic courses in California.
- Why it matters: Hosted two PGA Championships, including the 1983 edition won by Hal Sutton.
- Firestone Country Club (2x Host)
- Why it's historic: Hosted three PGA Championships, including the 1976 edition won by Jack Nicklaus.
- Why it matters: Ranked 85th by Golf Digest and 53rd by Golf.com.
- Inverness Club (2x Host)
- Why it's prestigious: Ranked 58th by Golf Digest and 44th by Top 100.
- Why it matters: Hosted two PGA Championships, including the 1986 edition won by Bob Tway.
- Medinah Country Club (2x Host)
- Why it's legendary: The only course where Tiger Woods won both PGA Championships held there.
- Why it matters: Ranked 93rd by Golf Digest.
The Middle 8:
Bellerive Country Club (2x Host)
Hazeltine National Golf Club (2x Host)
Olympia Fields Country Club (2x Host)
Keller Golf Club (2x Host)
Atlanta Athletic Club (3x Host)
Shoal Creek Country Club (2x Host)
Baltusrol Golf Club (2x Host)
Oakland Hills Country Club (2x Host)
The Bottom 4:
- Aronimink Golf Club (2x Host)
- Why it's a wild card: Set to host its second PGA Championship this week.
- Why it matters: Ranked 3rd in Pennsylvania and 49th in the world at its peak.
- Quail Hollow Club (2x Host)
- Why it's exciting: Hosting the 2024 PGA Championship with Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth in the field.
- Why it matters: Ranked 17th in North Carolina.
Key Takeaways:
- The top 10 courses are all iconic and highly ranked, with Oakmont and Kiawah Island tied for first.
- The middle 8 courses are solid and well-respected, with some interesting stories and histories.
- The bottom 4 courses are still worthy of mention, but may have some weaknesses or are less well-known.
In the end, the best and worst golf clubs to host multiple PGA Championships are subjective, but this ranking provides a comprehensive look at the top 18 courses.
