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Your complete guide to the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville

olivia evans, louisville courier journal
·8 min read

The 150th Kentucky Derby, along with all its festivities, pageantry and excitement has come and gone.

But Louisville is gearing up to welcome its next international sporting event — the 106th PGA Championship held at Valhalla Golf Club.

"It's just excitement," 2024 PGA Championship Director Ryan Ogle said days before the pros were set to tee off. "Coming off the 150th Derby, it's a great three weeks in May for Louisville, Kentucky."

Louisville and Valhalla Golf Club have a storied history with the PGA dating back to 1996, when the course hosted its first PGA Championship.

Ogle said he is always impressed with how Louisville locals rally around the PGA of America events. This year, more than 3,100 volunteers, alongside corporate ticket buyers and the mayor's office, have pitched in support of the event.

The 2024 PGA Championship is expected to generate more than $100 million in economic impact for the city, seeing an influx of visitors and spending everywhere from transportation and travel to lodging, food, drink, and other entertainment.

PGA Championship Director Ryan Ogle spoke to the media during an interview inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.
PGA Championship Director Ryan Ogle spoke to the media during an interview inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.

This year, Ogle said fans can expect branded interactive experiences from Chase Sapphire, Michelob Ultra, Elijah Craig bourbon, and even receive golf lessons from a PGA professional. The event, considered an international sporting spectacle, is expected to be broadcast to half a billion households and will be seen in 185 countries, Ogle said.

"It's a spotlight on Louisville," said Ogle. "It's a great partnership and we couldn't be more thrilled with that continued partnership and support and we look forward to the future in Louisville."

Here's what we know about the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville:

When and where is the 2024 PGA Championship?

A look down the No. 17 green and fairway, which is called No Mercy at Valhalla. The golf course will host the 2024 PGA Champioinship. There will be 284 structures and more than 700,000 square feet of decking. Around 3,100 volunteers will work the event. Feb. 23, 2024
A look down the No. 17 green and fairway, which is called No Mercy at Valhalla. The golf course will host the 2024 PGA Champioinship. There will be 284 structures and more than 700,000 square feet of decking. Around 3,100 volunteers will work the event. Feb. 23, 2024

The 106th PGA Championship will be played May 16-19 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville off Shelbyville Road near Floyds Fork.

Valhalla is a private member-only golf club that opened for play in Louisville in June 1986.

Practice rounds will be played May 13-15, allowing fans a chance to see their favorite golfer up close and with fewer crowds.

How much does a ticket cost and how do I get one?

Valhalla is preparing for the 2024 PGA Championship which starts May 13 and runs through May 19. There will be 284 structures and more than 700,000 square feet of decking. Around 3,100 volunteers will work the event. Feb. 23, 2024
Valhalla is preparing for the 2024 PGA Championship which starts May 13 and runs through May 19. There will be 284 structures and more than 700,000 square feet of decking. Around 3,100 volunteers will work the event. Feb. 23, 2024

Here is a look at starting standard ticket prices for each day of play as of May 10:

Practice round:

  • Monday, May 13: $43

  • Tuesday, May 14: $55

  • Wednesday, May 15: $59

Championship play:

  • Thursday, May 16: $163

  • Friday, May 17: $210

  • Saturday, May 18: $218

  • Sunday, May 19: $216

If you're looking to upgrade your experience, "Club PGA Hospitality" tickets are available for championship play days and offer spectators access to the playing grounds, access to the Club PGA Hospitality venue, open table seating at a climate-controlled location with views of the 17 tee and the 16 green and more.

As of May 10, prices for Club PGA Hospitality tickets start at:

  • Thursday, May 16: $1,512

  • Friday, May 17: $1,249

  • Saturday, May 18: $996

  • Sunday, May 19: $1,073

SeatGeek is the official ticket provider for the PGA Championship and where it is recommended to purchase tickets and verified resale tickets.

What roads are closed near Valhalla Golf Club for the PGA Championship?

Branded merchandise available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.
Branded merchandise available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.

From now through Sunday, May 19, Shelbyville Road will have lane restrictions and a speed limit reduction from Interstate 265 to Eastwood Cutoff Road, according to a Facebook post from the Middletown Police Department.

"While these changes may cause some inconvenience, rest assured the priority is your safety," the April 29 Facebook post read. "We advise exploring alternate routes to avoid delays."

Valhalla Golf Club will not allow public parking, drop-offs, or walk-ins at or around the course during the PGA Championship and practice rounds. Furthermore, residents will not be allowed to walk from their houses to the golf club for the championship, the Facebook post stated.

Where do I park for the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club?

Pin flags available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.
Pin flags available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.

The Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, will provide complimentary parking for the PGA Championship. Attendees can enter the Expo Center at the Main Gate, Gate 6, or Gate 7. Parking will be available now through Sunday, May 19.

Once parked, spectators can catch a shuttle to Valhalla Golf Club. Shuttle hours are as follows:

Practice rounds:

  • Monday, May 13: 7:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Tuesday, May 14 – Wednesday, May 15: 6:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Championship play:

  • Thursday, May 16 – Friday, May 17: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For visitors using rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, there is an official rideshare drop-off lot near Valhalla Golf Club. To get to this location, enter “2024 PGA Championship” as the destination in the app.

How much do hotel rooms cost in Louisville during the PGA Championship?

Branded merchandise available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.
Branded merchandise available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.

Many hotels are sold out around the city for the 2024 PGA Championship, though some rooms are still available. As of May 10, for example, the locally owned 21c Museum Hotel showed two available, with the nightly rate starting at $473 and going upward of $1,012. The Aloft Louisville Downtown hotel also showed limited availability, with room rates ranging between $430 and 444 per night.

What will the weather be like during the PGA Championship at Valhalla?

A display at entrance to the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.
A display at entrance to the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.

Here's a look at the early forecast for the week of the PGA Championship according to the National Weather Service seven-day forecast reported on May 13:

  • Monday, May 13: High of 79 degrees and 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms

  • Tuesday, May 14: High near 73 degrees and 100% chance of precipitation

  • Wednesday, May 15: High of 76 degrees and 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms

  • Thursday, May 16: High near 82 degrees and 40% chance of showers

  • Friday, May 17: High near 79 degrees and 60% chance of precipitation

  • Saturday, May 18: High of 82 degrees and 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms

  • Sunday, May 19: High near 82 degrees and 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms

How much will food and drinks cost at the PGA Championship?

The new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.
The new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.

Unlike in 2014 when PGA Championship spectators had to wait in lines with cash or credit cards on hand to buy food and beverages, this year's tickets are all-inclusive.

The standard tickets, called "Championship+" are considered all-inclusive and allow guests to choose one entre, one snack, and one non-alcoholic beverage each time they visit a concession stand for an unlimited number of visits.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in "Championship+" tickets but are available for purchase.

How much will merchandise cost and what will be available?

The official PGA Shops presented by Chase Sapphire offer a variety of brands and gear.

From Lululemon sweatshirts costing $110 to an $82 Adidas golf polo or a $30 women's visor, the official PGA Shops at Valhalla Golf Club has something for everyone.

While there are 250 different types of hats to choose from, the anticipated best-selling item is the $20 pin flag, with one assistant buyer for the PGA saying fans flock to this item because it is a replica of the flags on the course and a great item for fans to get signed by their favorite player.

Some brands available at the PGA Shops include:

  • Nike

  • Ralph Lauren

  • Adidas

  • Cutter & Buck

  • Under Armour

  • FootJoy

  • Peter Millar

  • Vineyard Vines

  • Ahead

  • 47 Brand

  • New Era

Is Tiger Woods playing in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla?

Jack Nicklaus, right, and Tiger Woods shared a laugh on the 18th green as they wound up their first round of play in the PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2000.
Jack Nicklaus, right, and Tiger Woods shared a laugh on the 18th green as they wound up their first round of play in the PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2000.

Tiger Woods, who won the PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2000, is expected to play in the 2024 PGA Championship, The Courier Journal previously reported.

Is Justin Thomas playing in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla?

Professional golfer, and Louisville native, Justin Thomas.
Professional golfer, and Louisville native, Justin Thomas.

Justin Thomas, the Louisville-born golfer who attended St. Xavier High School and has previously won two PGA Championships is expected to play in this year's championship. Earlier this month, a Hometown Hero banner of Thomas was unveiled and is on display at Watterson City Park Towers on Bishop Lane,1930 Bishop Lane.

Is Rory McIlroy playing in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla?

Rory McIlroy, who won the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in 2014, the last time Louisville hosted the event, is expected to play in the 2024 PGA Championship.

How can I watch the 2024 PGA Championship?

The PGA Championship will air live on ESPN and CBS on May 14-19. It can also be streamed on ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, or any other streaming service that offers CBS and ESPN.

Coverage can also be heard on SiriusXM Radio.

Who has won the PGA Championship?

Here is a look back at the last 10 winners of the PGA Championship:

  • 2023: Brooks Koepka

  • 2022: Justin Thomas

  • 2021: Phil Mickelson

  • 2020: Collin Morikawa

  • 2019: Brooks Koepka

  • 2018: Brooks Koepka

  • 2017: Justin Thomas

  • 2016: Jimmy Walker

  • 2015: Jason Day

  • 2014 (the last time Valhalla hosted): Rory McIlroy

When will the PGA Championship return to Valhalla after this year?

Valhalla Golf Club previously hosted the PGA Championship in 1996, 2000, and 2014. Valhalla hosted the Senior PGA Championship in 2004 and 2011. The Ryder Cup was played at Valhalla in 2008.

The PGA Championship will not return to Louisville through at least 2031. The 2034 event has been awarded to PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas, but the 2032 and 2033 venues have not yet been announced.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Spectators guide to 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club