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Despite walk-ins prohibited, homeowners still selling parking spots for PGA Championship

With a couple acres of land, Claude Combest estimates he can fit as many as 75 cars on his lot at one time, weather permitting.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Valhalla Golf Club prepares to welcome 200,000 people to Louisville for the 2024 PGA Championship, travel plans are top of mind for attendees.

Claude Combest knows that. He's rented out parking spots for guests on his home property the last two times the major golf tournament came to Valhalla, and is doing the same this year.

"I've got spaces," Combest told someone who called him during WHAS11's interview.

Since last Thursday, Combest's phone has been ringing off the hook. A large sign with his phone number sits right on his front yard on Shelbyville Road, just 50 yards away from one of the course gates.

For years, fans have been known to pay to park at people's houses and walk over. Valhalla doesn't allow this for the PGA Championship, but in years past, many attendees have ignored the rule.

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This year, authorities are warning attendees that walk-ins at or around the golf club will not be allowed. And Louisville Metro Police say going on foot or parking along Shelbyville Road is both unsafe and not an option.

Combest says people know this, but regardless, they're reserving their spots anyway.

He's owned the property for more than 40 years, before Valhalla Golf Club even existed.

"They can get out any time they want to," Combest said, speaking about drivers who park in his lot.

Combest wouldn't say how much he charges per person, but did say he gets reservations from people across the state and country.

"Lexington, Frankfort, Northern Kentucky, West Virginia -- they come from all over," he said.

With a couple acres of land, Combest estimates he can fit as many as 75 cars on his lot at one time, weather permitting.

Starting Monday, people attending the PGA Championship can park for free at the Expo Center -- where shuttles will run directly to Valhalla.

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