With the Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania hosting its second PGA Championship this week, it's the perfect time to take a look at the best and worst golf clubs that have hosted multiple PGA Championships over the years. The PGA Championship is one of the four major championships in professional golf, and hosting it is a significant achievement for any golf course. But which courses have earned the honor multiple times? Let's dive in and explore the top 17 golf clubs that have hosted multiple PGA Championships, ranking them from best to worst. But before we get started, I want to emphasize that this ranking is highly subjective and open to interpretation. There are many factors to consider, such as the course's design, its historical significance, and its overall reputation. So, take my analysis with a grain of salt and form your own opinion! Now, let's get started.
The Top 17 Golf Clubs That Have Hosted Multiple PGA Championships
1. Oakmont Country Club (3x Host)
Oakmont Country Club, designed by Henry C. Fownes, is arguably one of the best major championship courses outside of Augusta National. It has hosted three PGA Championships: 1922 (Gene Sarazen), 1951 (Sam Snead), and 1978 (John Mahaffey). Oakmont is the 5th ranked course according to Golf Digest and the 8th in the world according to Top100. Oakmont has also hosted 5 U.S. Open Championships. What makes Oakmont stand out is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, accessible to anyone willing to fork over the $600+ for greens fees. It's a true test of a golfer's skills and a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
2. Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California (2x Host)
The Riviera Country Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country and a mainstay on the PGA Tour. It has hosted the PGA Championship twice: 1983 (Hal Sutton) and 1995 (Steve Elkington). The course record was set in 1999 by Ted Tryba, who fired off a 61, but that would likely never happen during a PGA Championship. The Riviera is the 18th ranked course in the country according to Golf Digest and Top100 has it ranked 30th in the entire world. What makes the Riviera special is its stunning views and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
3. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (2x Host)
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is in a class of its own. It's ranked as the 24th best golf course in the nation by Golf Digest and the 41st best in the country by Top100. What sets it apart are its breathtaking views and the fact that it's a public course, accessible to anyone willing to pay the $600+ greens fees. The Ocean Course has hosted the PGA Championship twice: 2012 (Rory McIlroy) and 2021 (Phil Mickelson) as well as the 1991 Ryder Cup. It's a must-visit for any golfer, offering a unique and memorable experience.
4. Oak Hill Country Club (4x Host)
Oak Hill Country Club is a 4-time host of the PGA Championship: 1980 (Jack Nicklaus), 2003 (Shaun Micheel), 2013 (Jaso Dufner), and 2023 (Brooks Koepka). Golf Digest and Top 100 Golf Courses both rate Oak Hill CC as one of the finest golf courses in America, ranking it 22nd and 30th respectively. This Donald Ross designed golf course is a ball striker's delight. What makes Oak Hill special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
5. Whistling Straits Golf Course, Wisconsin (3x Host)
Whistling Straits is a three-time host of the PGA Championship: 2004 (Vijay Singh), 2010 (Martin Kaymer), and most recently 2015 (Jason Day). It's the 26th ranked course in the country according to Golf Digest and Top 100 Golf Courses has it ranked as the 43rd best in the country. What makes Whistling Straits special is its stunning views and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers. It's truly a stunning course and one where TV cameras do not do it justice.
6. Southern Hills Country Club (5x Host)
Southern Hills Country Club has hosted FIVE PGA Championships: 1970 (Dave Stockton), 1982 (Raymond Floyd), 1994 (Nick Price), 2007 (Tiger Woods), and 2022 (Dustin Johnson). This is the 28th ranked course in the nation according to Golf Digest and the 87th best course on earth according to Top 100 Golf Courses. What makes Southern Hills special is its rich history and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
7. Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield, N.J. (2x Host)
Baltusrol Golf Club is one of the prized courses of the northeast, a region that is packed with the best golf clubs in the nation. Golf Digest has Baltusrol ranked 45th, Top 100 Golf Courses has it ranked 97th in the world and 40th in the USA, but just 17th in the Northeast. What makes Baltusrol special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
8. Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio (2x Host)
Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio hosted the PGA Championship in 1986 (Bob Tway) and 1993 (Paul Azinger). It is one of the top ranked courses to host major championships with Golf Digest ranking it 58th in the country and Top 100 Golf Courses ranking it 44th in the USA and 94th in the world. What makes Inverness special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
9. Firestone Country Club (2x Host)
Firestone Country Club has hosted three PGA Championships: 1960 (Jay Herbert), 1966 (Al Geiberger), and 1976 (Jack Nicklaus). Firestone is the top-ranked golf course in the state of Ohio, it ranks 85th on Golf Digest's list of Top 100 Public Courses, and Golf.com ranks it 53rd in the country among all courses. What makes Firestone special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
10. Valhalla Golf Club, Kentucky (4x Host)
Valhalla Golf Club hosted the PGA Championship two years ago by Xander Schauffele, the infamous location where Scottie Scheffler was arrested. Valhalla GC has hosted the PGA four times: 1996 (Mark Brooks), 2000 (Tiger Woods), 2014 (Rory McIlroy), and 2024 (Xander Schauffele). This is the 87th ranked course nationwide according to Golf Digest and the top-ranked course in the state of Kentucky. What makes Valhalla special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
11. Medinah Country Club, Illinois (2x Host)
Medinah Country Club in Illinois has hosted the PGA Championship twice and lays claim to being the only course where Tiger Woods won both PGA Championships held there. Tiger won in 1999 and 2006. Golf Digest has Medina ranked as the 93rd best golf course in the nation. What makes Medinah special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
12. Olympia Fields Country Club, Illinois (2x Host)
Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois is another 2-time host of the PGA Championship: 1925 (Walter Hagen) and 1961 (Jerry Barber). Golf Digest ranks Olympia Fields as the 99th best course in the country. Olympia Fields CC is annually ranked as one of the top 3 courses in the Chicago area and has remained a powerhouse throughout the years. What makes Olympia Fields special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
13. Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota (2x Host)
Hazeltine National Golf Club has hosted 2 PGA Championships this century: 2002 (Rich Beem) and 2009 (Y.E. Yang) but most recently hosted a Ryder Cup in 2016. Top 100 Golf Courses has Hazeltine National GC ranked 5th in Minnesota and Golf Digest ranks it 138th in the country. What makes Hazeltine special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
14. Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, Missouri (2x Host)
Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri was once one of the absolute best courses in the country's heartland. It has hosted the PGA Championship twice: 1992 (Nick Price) and 2018 (Brooks Koepka). Currently, Bellerive CC is ranked 169th according to Golf Digest and Top 100 Golf Courses has the course ranked as the 5th best in the state of Missouri. What makes Bellerive special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
15. Shoal Creek Country Club, Birmingham, Alabama (2x Host)
The Shoal Creek Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama has hosted two PGA Championships: 1984 (Lee Trevino) and 1990 (Wayne Grady). Shoal Creek peaked at #50 in Golf Digest's rankings and #70 in the Golf Week rankings and these days Top 100 Golf Courses has it ranked as the #2 golf course in Alabama, ranked only behind the Wicker Point Golf Club. What makes Shoal Creek special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
16. Atlanta Athletic Club (3x Host)
The Atlanta Athletic Club has stiff competition from other courses in the state of Georgia (cough cough Augusta cough cough). This club has hosted the PGA Championship three times: 1981 (Larry Nelson), 2001 (David Toms), and 2011 (Keegan Bradley). The AAC is currently ranked 148th by Golf Digest and is the 5th ranked course in the state of Georgia according to Top 100 Golf Courses. What makes the AAC special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
17. Keller Golf Club, St. Paul, Minnesota (2x Host)
At 17th on the list is the Keller Golf Club in St. Paul, Minnesota. It has hosted 2 PGAs, 1923 won by Olin Dutra and 1954 hosted by Chick Harbert. Once one of the best around, these days it is ranked #21 in the state of Minnesota by Top 100 Golf Courses. A major renovation back in 2014 modernized the course. What makes Keller special is its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers.
Deeper Analysis
Hosting the PGA Championship is a significant achievement for any golf course, and the top 17 courses on this list have all earned the honor multiple times. But what makes these courses stand out? It's a combination of factors, including the course's design, its historical significance, and its overall reputation. For example, Oakmont Country Club is renowned for its challenging layout and the fact that it's a public course, accessible to anyone willing to fork over the $600+ for greens fees. Similarly, the Riviera Country Club is celebrated for its stunning views and its accessibility to a wide range of golfers.
However, it's essential to note that this ranking is highly subjective and open to interpretation. There are many factors to consider, such as the course's design, its historical significance, and its overall reputation. So, take my analysis with a grain of salt and form your own opinion! Now, let's take a step back and think about what this ranking implies. It suggests that there are certain courses that consistently deliver a high-quality experience for golfers, regardless of their skill level or background. It also highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the world of golf, as many of these courses are public and open to anyone willing to pay the greens fees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 17 golf clubs that have hosted multiple PGA Championships are all exceptional in their own right. From the challenging layouts of Oakmont Country Club and the Riviera Country Club to the breathtaking views of the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, these courses offer a unique and memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Hosting the PGA Championship is a significant achievement, and these courses have all earned the honor multiple times, solidifying their place in golf history. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, be sure to add these courses to your bucket list and experience the magic of the PGA Championship for yourself!
