Course Preview and Fits: PGA Championship

No rest for the weary when it comes to championship golf season! Fresh off an exciting Wells Fargo that saw Rory run away on Sunday to break his non-partner golf drought, we’re on to the PGA Championship, where storylines abound and tours collide, with a number of LIV golfers deservedly receiving invites. Excluding the PGA professionals (yes, even Michael Block), we have an elite field here with the best golfers in the world finally all together in one place. I for one am amped. Let’s take a look at the venue.

Valhalla: realm of slain heroes in norse mythology, also a famed Louisville area championship golf course. The last time the PGA Tour set foot on these hallowed grounds, Rory had just put the finishing touches on his fourth and last major victory to date. A lot has changed at Valhalla since then, but the heart of the course remains the same; it is one of the toughest tests in golf, and one of the most visually striking courses in the PGA rotation, in this golf fan’s humble opinion. While it is no longer owned by the PGA, Valhalla was the PGA’s crown jewel for many years, and is practically built for weeks like this. Designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1986, Valhalla has hosted more PGA Championships than any other venue in the modern era, as this week marks the fourth PGA at the relatively young but historic course. As is the case with many major championship venues that don’t play host to yearly events (i.e., Torrey Pines and Pebble), we don’t have a lot of course experience/history for guys, and face a small data problem that presents both a challenge and an opportunity.