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Shh. Here's what to know to be a good spectator at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla

kirby adams, louisville courier journal
·4 min read

Ok, sports fans, listen up. If you are fresh off your raucous experience at the 150th Kentucky Derby, you're going to have to dial it back when you show up to the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.

Sure, you can expect the same excitement and electricity at the tournament venue as you did at the racetrack. But it's a hard "no" to screaming, "Go Baby Go!"

Fancy hats and stiletto heels are also ill-advised.

"I'd say the first thing you want to do before you come to the tournament is take a good look at our website so you know what you can and can't bring to the venue and also familiarize yourself with the grounds," Ryan Ogle, 2024 PGA Championship director, told the Courier Journal. "I would also decide how you want to enjoy the fan experience."

Do you want to follow the players or do you want to sit down and let the players come to you? Or perhaps you would like to experience a mixture of both.

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.

Ogle gave us his favorite spots to watch tournament play, including Hole 13 and 14 and Hole 7 and 8. He said several grandstand bleachers are free to use across the golf course.

Here are four more tips from Ogle to help you get the most out of your PGA Championship experience.

What golf etiquette do I need to know for the 106th PGA Championship?

Apr 9, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas chat as they walk down the no. 1 fairway during a practice round for the Masters Tournament golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas chat as they walk down the no. 1 fairway during a practice round for the Masters Tournament golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Spectators are encouraged to cheer and clap in response to great play but unsolicited and consistent calls from the gallery toward players and others are prohibited. A Championship Marshal will raise their arms to signal when spectators must remain quiet and when you are moving around the tournament grounds you must walk. Running is considered unacceptable behavior.

"If you are in doubt, look around at the people in the crowd and take your cues from them," Ogle said. "We also ask that you stay behind the gallery ropes and cooperate with instructions given by Championship Marshals."

Can I bring a cellphone to the 106th PGA Championship?

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 is a rule that has changed since the tournament was last held in Louisville in 2014. The short answer is "yes," you can bring a mobile device but it must be kept in "silent mode" at all times. The camera flash must be turned off and if you need to receive or make a phone call you must be further than 100 yards from the competition.

During Championship Rounds (Thursday, May 16 to Sunday, May 19), photography, audio, and video recording is prohibited anywhere within 100 yards of competition or when requested by players, caddies, marshalls, volunteers, security, or Championship staff and officials.

Complimentary portable phone charges will be available to all spectators and phone charging stations can be found at the Main Entrance, 7th Green, 10th Fairway, 13th Fairway, and inside Club Magenta at the 10th Tee.

How should you dress for the 106th PGA Championship?

A lululemon sweatshirt available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.
A lululemon sweatshirt available inside the new PGA Shops at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. on May. 8, 2024.

First and foremost, dress for the weather. That means lightweight clothing if it's sunny and hot or a water-resistant jacket and footwear if it's rainy during tournament play.

Sunglasses and a hat are good additions to sunscreen. And no matter the weather, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.

If you forget anything, there is an enormous PGA merchandise store that carries more than 1,200 items. Everything from t-shirts and hats to rain jackets and folding chairs is available as souvenirs or last-minute purchases in case you forget.

What are the must-have items to bring to Valhalla Golf Club?

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.

If you are heading to the 106th PGA Championship, here are some items you should bring:

  • Binoculars can help you see the action more clearly, especially if you are watching from a distance.

  • A small collapsible chair if you don't want to stand all day.

  • If it's raining, you are allowed an umbrella

  • You can carry a bag into the venue It does not need to be clear but it cannot be larger than 10 inches by 10 inches.

  • Sunscreen is important and so is staying hydrated. The PGA has set up 10 free water stations throughout the course. "You can grab water whenever you need it," said Ogle. "You don't need to bring a water bottle with you."

For more detailed information on parking, tickets, and special experiences at the 106th PGA Championship, visit pgachampionship.com.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Spectator etiquette for the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club