LOUISVILLE, KY. The return to Valhalla for its fourth PGA Championship will have players face a Jack Nicklaus design that has been beefed up since the last PGA held there in 2014.
The par-71 layout now plays 7,609 yards and the difference between the front and back nines is quite apparent. The outward nine meanders through pasture land and players will need to keep a close eye on the serpentine Floyd’s Fork that lurks at several key points.
The inward half plays into hardwoods and features numerous terrain changes to keep players on their toes.
John Ballard, superintendent at Valhalla, was asked to weigh in with his thoughts on how he sees four key holes, two on the front and two on the back, playing for this year’s event.
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No. 1 (The Post), Par 4, 484 yards
“There’s a new tee that’s been moved back and players will not be able to drive over the trees on the left. This will force them out right to a skinny fairway. The green runs front right to back left and has a bunker on both sides making it a difficult approach.”
| Year | Rank | Par | Yards | Avg. |
| 1996 | 6 | 4 | 425 | 4.104 |
| 2000 | 6 | 4 | 446 | 4.156 |
| 2014 | 10 | 4 | 446 | 4.018 |
No. 4 (Mine That Bird), Par 4, 372 yards
“Much will depend on where the tee boxes are placed. The hole could play as short as 275 yards and have players weigh the risk in going for the green with the tee shot. High risk with high reward. Floyd’s Fork is in play to the left of the green.
“Plenty of internal green movements that can prove vexing to decipher. Even players that layback and hit wedge will need to demonstrate total precision.”
| Year | Rank | Par | Yards | Avg. |
| 1996 | 14 | 4 | 355 | 3.983 |
| 2000 | 14 | 4 | 350 | 3.951 |
| 2014 | 17 | 4 | 372 | 3.731 |
No. 10 (Big Red), Par 5, 590 yards
“Named after Secretariat, the big, long-distance thoroughbred, the 10th is a double-dogleg with a fairway bunker on the right side of the driving zone and deep rough and trees to the left.
“The hole gets very tight at the green and is guarded by a very deep bunker. The putting surface is also very skinny and runs away from the players. Those opting to go for the undulating two-tiered green in two shots have to be wary because the green will be difficult to hold a long distance second shot.”
| Year | Rank | Par | Yards | Avg. |
| 1996 | 16 | 5 | 565 | 4.905 |
| 2000 | T-15 | 5 | 551 | 4.861 |
| 2014 | 15 | 5 | 590 | 4.817 |
Related: Five to watch at Valhalla
No. 16 (Homestretch), Par 4, 508 yards
“Brush Run Creek plays a pivotal role down the right side on this long two shot hole. Players will have a long iron or even a hybrid in their hands for the approach shot. The hole has two bunkers in the front and a severe drop-off to a closely mown chipping area to the right. Plenty of danger awaits for those failing to execute with total precision and commitment.”
| Year | Rank | Par | Yards | Avg. |
| 1996 | 2 | 4 | 450 | 4.239 |
| 2000 | 2 | 4 | 444 | 4.233 |
| 2014 | 3 | 4 | 508 | 4.313 |
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”