PGA Championship: Five Courses that Should Host in the Future

This year’s PGA Championship marks the last time golf’s most unpredictable major will be held in August. As we move into a new generation of PGA Championships, who could host the event in the years to come?

Much like the competition, the selection of courses to host the tournament have also been unpredictable, with the exception of Southern Hills (hosted most PGAs with four) and Whistling Straits among others who have hosted multiple.

Although the future sites are set for the next several years, it’s still fun to look at where the Wanamaker Trophy will head to down the road. Here are some sites that would be cool to see host a PGA Championship.

Erin Hills 

Despite the unusually low scores at the U.S. Open, Erin Hills still was a beautiful golf course that was made for the professional level (keep in mind that everyone complained about Shinnecock Hills being too hard. Guess you can’t win). Immediately after the U.S. Open was over, I mentioned several times that Erin Hills would make for an excellent PGA Championship course.

The PGA may be more noted for being played on tree-lined courses, but it’s also no stranger to open, links-style courses as the aforementioned Whistling Straits has always been a great host. Erin Hills mixes it up hole-by-hole, making it a fun course for people to play and watch golf on.

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Since its debut, it has been widely regarded as one of the best public courses in America. This is another thing that may appeal to fans is its humble nature, out in the Washington County farmland and woods in Wisconsin.

I honestly feel like the course could host, not one, but two PGA Championships.

Pacific Dunes 

This one is a no-brainer. PD has always been regarded as one of the best and most beautiful courses in the world, and from a fan standpoint, it checks all of the boxes. Many of the holes feature beautifully placed bunkers and epic ocean views which makes for the perfect setting for major championship golf.

Not to mention, with Bandon Dunes being a resort, there would be numerous ways for fans to enjoy themselves away from the tournament if other amenities remained available. One of those things is the fantastic Punchbowl putting course which features numerous challenging slopes to test your flat stick game.

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The resort is no stranger to hosting big events as it has been home to the Curtis Cup and the U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championships among other major amateur events. So why not crank it up a notch and give Pacific Dunes a shot at a PGA?

It only seems to make sense.

Merion Golf Club

One of the more fun courses in the world, Merion never disappoints with its famous short length and rich variety. One of the great U.S. Open venues, Merion has hosted more USGA events than any course in the United States.

However, it would be great for the club to try something different, and hosting the PGA Championship would be just that. Although a private club, Merion has always provided a welcoming feeling during tournaments, and even offer superintendant internships for those interested.

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Its exciting variety and beautiful surrounding environment make it stand apart from other tracks. The way the course changes in elevation would make it a joy for players and fans alike.

On top of that, it would once again give fans a chance to experience one of the world’s top 10 greatest courses.

Pasatiempo

Allister Mackenzie was one of the greatest golf course designers off all-time, and Pasatiempo was his favorite track that ever built. This is the same dude that created Augusta National and Cypress Point mind you.

Well, Pasatiempo is most definitely a masterpiece and is one of the cleanest looking courses in the world. In particular, the gorgeous bunkering stands out and some of the changes in elevation make for another fun track, similarly to Merion.

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Widely regarded as one of the greatest public courses in America, Pasatiempo would make for a unique PGA Championship stop. I mean, how cool would it be to watch a major at a Mackenzie diamond of a golf course?

Canyata Golf Club

One of the most underrated courses in America is the hidden gem out in Marshall, Il known as Canyata. This semi-private club (it’s private but the owner does allow public play for a high price tag) looks larger than life from images and would have plenty of space for spectators to enjoy the PGA Championship.

Illinois is no stranger to hosting PGAs. The Prairie State has hosted the event five times, including the third ever PGA in 1920 at Flossmoor Country Club.

One of the amazing things that make Canayata so unique is how isolated it is. Supposedly, when you arrive, there is essentially nobody there.

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There’s a pro shop with nobody in it, there’s no club pro or anything. It’s almost like heading to a ghost town golf course, only, the course is gorgeous and not creepy looking.

Gerald Forsythe is the owner and only member of the club and interestingly enough, his original idea was to have a three-hole golf course. Little did he know that it would become the stunning track that it is today.

The fourth hole (pictured) at Canyata would be a fan favorite if it were to host a PGA.

Honorable Mentions

Cog Hill – Another Illinois track that was one of the most recognizable on the PGA Tour, was home to the BMW Championship/Western Open from 1991-2011.

Prairie Dunes – A top 30 course in the world, Prairie Dunes has hosted two majors; the U.S. Women’s Open (2002) and the U.S. Senior Open (2006). Having a PGA there wouldn’t be a shock.

Camargo Club – Another world-famous course that aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The PGA, or any major being hosted here, will give fans a closer look at another ultra-private track.

What courses do you feel should host a PGA Championship down the road? Let me know on Twitter @GhostPandaColin!

Cover Image via Instagram