LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tens of thousands of people are at Valhalla Golf Club soaking in every moment of the PGA Championship's first round. It's the fourth time the major golf tournament has been in Louisville, and it may be the last.
Ever since a group of prominent Louisville businessmen purchased the golf course two years ago, the future of the PGA Championship in the Derby City -- beyond 2024 -- has been in doubt.
Despite the PGA of America no longer having equity in the historic golf club, both the PGA and local investors are keeping that door open.
The earliest Valhalla theoretically could host another PGA Championship is in 2032, though there hasn't been any indication the club is in the running for the bid.
Since The PGA of America typically works seven years ahead for the PGA Championship, nothing is set in stone beyond 2031.
Jimmy Kirchdorfer, one of Valhalla's co-owners and general chair of the 106th PGA Championship, said it's still unclear if the tournament will return in 2032 or later.
"[The PGA] just announced 2031, that's the policy, seven years out," he said. "But if you read the press release that was put out when they sold [the club] to us, they said they look forward to continuing to work with us to keep it in rotation."
On Wednesday, PGA of America President John Lindert said a return to Valhalla for a record-tying fifth PGA Championship isn't out of the question, and even told reporters it would "continue to be considered."
Kirchdorfer said he "fully expects" the tournament to return to Louisville.
"They're thrilled with how this community has stepped up," he said, adding Louisville continues to bring a unique experience and challenge for the best golfers in the world. "We're going to continue to have major sporting events at Valhalla."
Regardless if Valhalla garners national attention in the years to come, the club's owners are confident local residents will step up and show out no matter what.
The only other course that's hosted five PGA Championships is Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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