The 108th PGA Championship Returns to Aronimink
The 108th PGA Championship will be held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Designed by Donald Ross in 1928 and restored by Gil Hanse in 2016, the course presents a formidable test for the 156-player field.
Aronimink plays as a par 70, 7,394-yard layout, featuring 180 bunkers.
Key Details
- The average green size is 8,200 sq/ft, larger than the PGA Tour average.
- The last PGA Championship at Aronimink was in 1962, won by Gary Player.
- The PGA Tour visited the course in 2010, 2011, and 2018.
In the 2018 BMW Championship, Keegan Bradley won with 62% of his strokes gained attributed to putting. This highlights the premium placed on short game performance.
Course Characteristics
The terrain includes a ridgeline that creates blind tee shots, uneven lies, and varied approach shots. Approach distances range from wedge shots to long irons.
14 of 18 approach shots come from under 150 yards or over 215 yards, leaving little room for mid-range iron play.
The course features 12 par 4s, and scoring on these holes is considered a key factor. Scottie Scheffler, who leads the PGA Tour in par 4 scoring, is a player to watch. The closing stretch of holes is widely regarded as particularly difficult.
Historical Context
The article notes the absence of two par 5s and emphasizes the variety of par 4 lengths as a determinant of success.
Kerry Haigh, Chief Championships Officer, discussed the course setup, though specific quotes were not provided in the article.