The PGA Championship is heading to Aronimink Golf Club in 2026, and if you love a course that tests every club in the bag, this one is a must-watch. Set in the rolling hills of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Aronimink offers a classic layout that blends strategy, precision, and a few surprises. Let's take a hole-by-hole tour of what the pros will face May 14-17.
The journey starts with a downhill tee shot from the clubhouse, followed by an uphill approach to the green. Four bunkers line the right side of the landing area, and the green is protected by two bunkers on each side. The real challenge? Judging the elevation—misjudge it, and you're in the sand. The green itself tilts back and to the left, demanding a precise putt.
Hole 2 is a dogleg left with a partially blind landing area that slopes from left to right. A cluster of six bunkers sits at the dogleg, so accuracy off the tee is key. The large, contoured green has two front bunkers and a collection area behind, meaning anything long leaves a tough up-and-down.
Hole 3 is a bunker-lover's delight with a dozen sand traps staggered on both sides of the fairway. This gives players options off the tee—choose your line wisely. The final two bunkers guard the front of the green, making the approach a test of nerve.
Hole 4 features an uphill tee shot with bunkers on both sides of the landing area. Most pros can drive over the trouble, leaving a wedge or short iron to a two-tiered green. It's a scoring opportunity, but the two tiers can toy with your distance control.
Hole 5 is all about the green. Four bunkers form a semi-circle around the front, protecting a heavily contoured putting surface. The approach shot must be precise—too short or off line, and you're in the sand.
Hole 6 is a short dogleg right with several bunkers guarding the right side of the fairway, starting at the bend and continuing to the green. The safe play is an iron off the tee, short of three left-side bunkers, leaving a short iron into the green. Patience pays here.
Hole 7 is another dogleg right with a blind fairway. A well-placed tee shot rewards you with a wedge to the green, but don't get comfortable. The severely sloped green is guarded by deep bunkers on the left and front right. It's likely one of the easier holes on the front nine, but it can still bite.
Hole 8 is a downhill par 3 with a long green and multiple tee boxes, giving the PGA of America plenty of options on length. The green almost connects with the 10th green behind it, separated only by a thin strip of fairway. It's a visual treat and a strategic puzzle.
Hole 9 is the first par 5—long and straight, with bunkers bordering the landing areas for both the tee shot and the second shot. The longest hitters might reach it in two, but most will lay up. It's a chance to close the front nine with a birdie or even an eagle.
Aronimink is a course that rewards smart play and punishes mistakes. Whether you're watching from home or dreaming of playing it yourself, this layout promises drama, beauty, and a true test of championship golf.