Can you play the 2024 PGA Championship course at Valhalla Golf Club?

Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, will play host to the 2024 PGA Championship, and while it is a private club, it is possible for members of the public to play the course.

The finest course in the Bluegrass State, Valhalla was laid out by Jack Nicklaus and has hosted three PGA Championships, two Senior PGA Championships, and the 2008 Ryder Cup.

But anyone can become a Valhalla Gold Club member and gain access to the course and top-notch facilities. Day passes are also available to visit the club, play the course, and use some amenities, including making use of the club’s food and beverage service in the men’s locker rooms and Halfway House. Indeed, the club, PGA of America, prides itself on its concierge-level customer service.

Valhalla maintains fairly standard rules regarding course etiquette and the proper attire for players.

Slacks or Bermuda shorts with a collared golf shirt that must always be tucked in will keep you from falling afoul of the Valhalla Golf Club security.

The club allows cellphones on the course, but the ringers must be turned off and voice calls cannot be answered or made on the course.

Also note Valhalla has pace-of-play guidelines that require players to complete their rounds within four hours and 15 minutes.

Course highlights

The club also boasts a world-class caddie programme to enhance the experience for players, and for first-timers or one-time visitors, this added extra comes highly recommended.

Reliable reviewers rate the club’s practice facilities as top-notch as well and the all-round condition of the course and facilities are widely lauded.

The championship course earns praise for its balance between challenge and simple, straightforward fun and offers the more adventurous players plenty of chances to try their luck.

The course plays at 7540 yards from the gold championship tees and is still fairly long off the black tees at 6975 yards.

As for the highlights on the course, there are plenty, but the real highlight of a round at Valhalla is often the picturesque 13th.

Despite its intimidating air and island green, the dog-leg left 13th offers players a decent shot at birdie, provided you can stay out of the water.

For the suckers for punishment, the par-four sixth hole is a special treat with Nicklaus clearly in a foul mood when he laid this one out.

If you aren’t scratch from the back tees, Nicklaus has virtually guaranteed that you will not be making par on the sixth.

Players visiting the club for the first time are advised to contact Valhalla ahead of time to ensure availability of tee times.

Enjoy a virtual tour of Valhalla’s Championship Golf Course in the video below.