‘A Kentucky feel’: 3 big changes as PGA Championship returns to Valhalla Golf Club in 2024

The PGA Championship returns to Valhalla Golf Club next year for the first time in a decade.

The past two times Valhalla has hosted have offered stirring finishes: In 2000, Tiger Woods won his third consecutive major championship, outlasting Bob May in a playoff; 14 years later, Rory McIlroy held off a star-studded leaderboard to beat Phil Mickelson by one shot.

Those memorable majors are a gift and a curse for Ryan Ogle, the championship director.

“We’re always trying to figure out, ‘How do we make it better? How do we grow it?’” Ogle said Tuesday at Valhalla. “Why do you want to come to this championship? (Like), ‘Oh, you were here in ’14?’

“Why should you come in 2024? That’s where we have to really make sure we’re telling a compelling story about the fan experience, the spectator experience.”

Valhalla to have a ‘Kentucky feel’ at every turn

By the time the first tee shot is struck next year, the property will have undergone a transformation.

The clubhouse is being renovated. A 36,000-square-foot agronomy center is being built near the 15th hole. The waterfall on the 13th hole — known as “The Island” — is more noticeable. A new tee box will be in use on 18.

Kirchdorfer’s goal is to ensure Valhalla reminds players and fans of the Bluegrass State at every turn.

“You’ll see themes throughout, even the limestone outcroppings and what limestone is to this state,” Kirchdorfer said. “That’s why we have the horse industry. That’s why we have bourbon. So you see the white picket fence. You see the clubhouse is going to have a Kentucky feel. Just showing that heritage is important to us.”

2024 PGA Championship to play longer, faster

Valhalla played at 7,458 yards in 2014. Though the length for the 2024 event hasn’t been announced, it likely will be longer given the ever-increasing distance of current players.

The length, Ogle said, is less important than the calendar. Ten years ago, the PGA was contested in August. Now, it’s played in May.

“You’re going to see a faster golf course and more challenging golf course,” he said. “Some of these run offs, there’s going to be a lot more trouble that comes into play with the fast and firm surfaces.”

Ogle, as well as general chairman Jimmy Kirchdorfer — who leads the investment group that now owns Valhalla — said they don’t have a winning score in mind.

“What Kerry Haigh does is he sets up a fair but tough golf course,” said Ogle, referring to the PGA of America’s chief championship officer. “He puts it in the players’ hands and then he gets out of the way.”

Tickets to include food, drinks; no decision on alcohol yet

A ticket to the major will include all-you-can-eat food and bottomless non-alcoholic beverages, a practice that began in 2021. A determination on alcoholic beverage prices — which made headlines for the wrong reasons during last year’s PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma — will come at a later date.

“We’re going to do things that we feel are in the best interest of our fans, of the spectator, of the championship,” Ogle said. “And you know, it’s not always going to be right. We’re going to look at it every time after events. We’re going to make sure we try to improve that.”