Photo by Brandon Williams on Unsplash The 108th PGA Championship arrives at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania from May 14-17, 2026 — and the stage is set for one of the most compelling major championships in recent memory. Scottie Scheffler arrives as the defending champion and world number one. Rory McIlroy arrives as the reigning Masters champion, hungry for more. And Aronimink — Donald Ross's self-declared masterpiece — arrives ready to test every aspect of the game's best players. The Basics The 2026 PGA Championship is the second major of the year and the 108th edition of the tournament. It is played at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, a western suburb of Philadelphia. Practice rounds run Monday through Wednesday (May 11-13). The four championship rounds are Thursday through Sunday (May 14-17). The winner receives the Wanamaker Trophy, one of the largest and most iconic trophies in professional sport. The Course: Aronimink Golf Club A...
Pinehurst Resort in the Sandhills of North Carolina is called "The Home of American Golf" with complete legitimacy. No destination in the United States has hosted more major championships or shaped the culture of golf in America more profoundly. Here's everything you need to plan a Pinehurst trip that delivers the full experience.
The Courses: Nine to Choose From
Pinehurst Resort operates nine courses — all numbered, from No. 1 through No. 9. No. 2 is the crown jewel and consistent top-10 listing in every ranking of the world's best courses. Donald Ross's masterpiece, with its recently restored natural sandy surrounds and infamously crowned greens that shed approach shots in every direction, represents American golf course design at its peak. No. 4, redesigned by Gil Hanse, is the newest major-caliber course at the resort and has been acclaimed as one of the best new courses in the country since its 2018 redesign.
No. 8, designed by Tom Fazio, is the resort's second most prestigious course and features the most dramatic visual presentation of any course at Pinehurst — forest, water, and native landscape in a challenging package. Nos. 1, 3, and 5 are more approachable options for golfers who want to experience Pinehurst's atmosphere without the extreme difficulty of No. 2 or No. 4.
Staying at the Resort
The Holly Inn and The Carolina — both National Historic Landmarks — are the flagship resort accommodations. The Carolina, a grand Victorian hotel opened in 1901, defines the Pinehurst experience: rocking chairs on the porch, impeccable service, and the sense of stepping into a century of golf history. Both properties include a resort fee that covers ground transportation, pool and spa access, and some complimentary rounds on the shorter courses.
Dining and Off-Course Experience
Pinehurst Village — the walkable downtown surrounding the resort — offers a charming array of restaurants, golf shops, and bars. The Lobby Bar inside The Carolina is the traditional 19th hole gathering spot. The Deuce at Pinehurst No. 2 is the premium dining option with elevated Southern cuisine and views of the most famous holes. Donald Ross's Tavern offers casual post-round food and drink in a historic setting.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are peak seasons for golf conditions and atmosphere. Pinehurst's sandy soil drains beautifully, meaning courses play firm and fast in all but the wettest weather. Summer is warm and humid but manageable. Winter green fees are discounted 30–40% and the cooler temperatures make for pleasant golf if you're comfortable in 50–60°F weather.
Planning Your Package
Most visitors to Pinehurst spend 3–4 nights and play 2–3 rounds. A classic itinerary: arrive Saturday, warm up on No. 1 or No. 3 (shorter, friendlier) Sunday morning, play No. 2 Monday (the main event), and finish with No. 4 or No. 8 on Tuesday before departure. Resort packages bundling accommodation with tee times offer the best value and priority booking access — book directly through pinehurstresort.com six months in advance for peak season.
Pinehurst is one of those golf destinations that exceeds expectations regardless of how high they're set. It belongs on every golfer's radar — not as a one-off bucket list check, but as a recurring pilgrimage to the spiritual home of American golf.
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